Matt Varga By now, it’s not breaking news to say that Virgil Abloh is an earnestly sainted figure on our side of things. The late legend’s legacy is set to start anew within the halls of Beaverton as his Virgil Abloh Archives Air Jordan 1 “Alaska” finally nears its release. Yet fans of the polymath have far more to watch for than simply a redux of one of his iconoclastic styles.
As that March 28th date inches closer, the wards of the VAA have announced the Virgil Reader Vol. 001. Those who have been following this story beat by beat will remember the estate’s sprawling collection at Paris Fashion Week, offering a tangible walk-through of the designs that propelled him to his modern heights. This print accompaniment can be understood as expanding that French showcase to the general public, combining about a dozen of his interviews in one publication for comprehensive insight into what made the eventual Louis Vuitton head tick.
“Virgil believed deeply in sharing knowledge and opening doors, the Archive and Foundation are my commitment to carrying that forward, making his work accessible, contextualized, and meaningful for future generations. Through the launch of the Archive Membership and The Virgil Reader Vol. 001, we are inviting the public into that process, with moments of connection and collaboration still ahead.” –Shannon Abloh, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Virgil Abloh Securities
While superfans will no doubt be motivated to grab up the physical edition, that might be easier said than done. Only 2,000 copies total will be on offer. To ameliorate that in advance, the Archive also announced a digital counterpart, the first in a line of perks for free public members. Further, the “Archive Toolkit” also slips into this set of design periodicals, “a set of free resources refreshed pewrioidically throughout the year.” Those interest in the recieving the latter will need to apply with a bio and an example of their work; those who toss their hat in the ring will get a chance at 100 free pairs of the Air Jordan 1 High in question and a copy of the Virgil Reader.
Pre-orders for the Virgil Abloh Archive Virgil Readers 001 are open HERE; retail is set at $55. A Los Angeles release party for this first drop and the unveiling of the print/digital series overall will take place in Los Angeles on March 14th and 15th at Architecture. This announcement closes by promising “new offerings informed by Virgil’s creative codes will continue to unfold in the months ahead.”
