The provocateur that makes room for millennials
Given the chance, IKEA and Off-White founder Virgil Abloh jumped at the prospect of a collab. Together they embrace experimentalism and explore how to transform the first homes of millennials the world over, at a low cost. Now they’re on stage at Democratic Design Days to reveal it all.
While being known for most as the founder of the provocative street wear brand Off-White, American Virgil Abloh is also an architecture grad, a DJ and a producer. He takes his role of provocateur seriously, in his own business as in his collaboration with IKEA.
“IKEA provides a landscape – fertile soil for new ideas and concepts. My duty then, is to provide something provocative. Given how tremendous this opportunity is, I’m not content to make another chair.”
Together, IKEA and Off-White look for ways to help create a home for millennials who are just starting out their lives.
“I love working with the best in class of any genre. IKEA is a brand that spans generations – that stands for something. To give this collection a young approach and pay respect to that DNA is my goal.”
“We’re looking at that first phase of adult life, when you start making purchases for your space. Largely people grow up in their parents’ environment. They’ve never had to consider furniture. Then when they’re off on their own and have their own aesthetic, what are their first purchases? I’m interested in thinking about how those purchases are informed”, Virgil says.
He’s happy about the collab and all that it entails.
“I love working with the best in class of any genre. IKEA is a brand that spans generations – that stands for something. To give this collection a young approach and pay respect to that DNA is my goal.”
The Off-White founder’s stage talk on Democratic Design Days made us super curious about the final collection. For now, we just have to stand the suspense.