RUNWAY: Off-White SS18

Virgil Abloh, the founder of Off-White, is having a moment. He has won awards and been recognized for his outstanding collection; he has also been recently tapped to redesign IKEA's famous oversized blue shopping bags. Last, and not least, he was invited to be the guest designer at Pitti Uomo in Florence.

What he showed in this Spring/Summer 2018 collection was special and proof positive that his accolades aren't for naught, his talent in messaging and design is a rare feat in fashion where embellishment is often seen as revolutionary. This quiet collection, looking almost ghostly - thanks in large part to the dramatic lighting - had elements of streetwear, tailoring and a youthful spirit that elevated the louche track jackets that zipped open and shut to reveal a taut stomach while technical fabrics seen on boxy pants worn with a cable-knit vest looks sublime.