BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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In a bombshell move, LVMH has sold Off-White™ to brand management firm Bluestar Alliance, raising eyebrows across the fashion world, just three years after acquiring a 60% stake in the label founded by the late Virgil Abloh. The announcement, made on what would have been Abloh’s birthday, marks a notable shift for the iconic streetwear brand.
Although the financial terms were not disclosed, Off-White™ will join Bluestar’s extensive portfolio, which includes brands like Hurley, Scotch & Soda, and Bebe. Fans are wondering why the brand is being handed over so soon – and what this means for its future.
Bluestar Alliance, best known for handling mainstream brands like Hurley and Bebe, seems like an odd fit for the avant-garde label. Could this be a signal that Off-White™ is losing its cultural edge?
In a statement, Bluestar Alliance’s CEO, Joey Gabbay, highlighted Abloh’s profound influence on the fashion industry, saying, “Virgil was a creative pioneer whose fusion of street culture and high fashion built an enduring legacy.” LVMH, which initially bought into Off-White™ to support Abloh’s creative vision, expressed confidence in Bluestar’s ability to uphold the brand’s core values and innovate under its stewardship.
Off-White™, established in 2012, rapidly rose to prominence and was later acquired by New Guards Group, which was subsequently purchased by Farfetch in 2019. Despite Abloh’s passing in 2021, the label continues to evolve under the leadership of Ib Kamara, with recent shows at New York Fashion Week reflecting its ongoing efforts to navigate the post-Abloh era.
Bluestar Alliance plans to continue building on Off-White’s global influence, leveraging its resources to further expand the brand’s reach while maintaining the cultural and creative momentum that Abloh initiated.
With the brand now under new management, fashion insiders are buzzing: will Off-White™ stay true to Abloh’s legacy, or is this the beginning of the end for the iconic streetwear label?
