What was the show about?
Already in the Spring/Summer 2021 fashion, Virgil Abloh’s exploration of the impact of colonialism was the main theme of the collection. This season he went one step further and presented the Fall/Winter collection in a film that takes up the story of an art theft. The film is full of symbolism and shows the viewer how other cultures and histories are misunderstood or not recognised at all due to a Eurocentric view.
What grabbed our attention?
The film feels like watching someone dream. The clips about the art heist are so real. The whole thing is peppered with different characters, in a setting that makes direct reference to Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion.
The star-studded cast underlines creative director Virgil Abloh’s inspiration, which is rooted in African-American culture. Rapper Mos Def, poet Saul Williams and writer Kai-Isaiah Jamal are among those featured.
Credits
Peculiar Contrast, Perfect Light
A Film By Virgil Abloh And ‘moved By The Motion’
Starring yasiin bey, Saul Williams and Kai Isaiah Jamal
Film Directed by Wu Tsang
Show Creative Director And Performance Choreography by Josh Johnson
Story Adapted by Sophia Al Maria
Movement Direction by Tosh Basco
Dramaturgy And Scenography by Kandis Williams
Original Film Score by Asma Maroof
Musical Direction and Production by Asma Maroof And Benji B
LV Men’s Music and Sound Direction by Benji B
Styling By Ibrahim Kamara
Set Design Playlab
Graphic Design Marco Fasolini
Art Direction and Research Leads Mahfuz Sultan And Chloe Sultan
Artist Managed By Nadja Rangel Qani At Outofocus Management
Visual Direction Lina Kutsovskaya and BeGood
Music by
Harp Ahya Simone
Saxophone & Flute Tapiwa Svosve
Cello & Piano: Patrick Belaga
Drums Mathieu Edward
Additional Music Production by Daniel Pineda
Additional Poetry by Kai Isaiah Jamal
Final Musical performance by yasiin bey
Music: ESG – “UFO” (Courtesy of Fire Records)
Music booker: Max Leader
Pyramide du Louvre © Arch.I.M.Pei