Virgil Abloh: The Codes opens its doors at the Grand Palais this fall
This landmark exhibition, co-presented by the Virgil Abloh Archive and Nike, marks the first major European retrospective dedicated solely to the transformative career of Virgil Abloh, the visionary who redefined the intersection of fashion, art, music, and design. Opening on what would have been Abloh’s 45th birthday, September 30th, the showcase provides an immersive exploration into nearly two decades of his prolific creative output, inviting attendees to understand the foundation that he built his career upon.
Running until October 10, The Codes draws from an extensive archive of approximately 20,000 objects, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the multidisciplinary creative. Curators Chloe Sultan and Mahfuz Sultan, both integral to the archive, have meticulously assembled a collection that includes rare sketches, prototypes, personal belongings, and items from his private library. The exhibition goes beyond a visual display, aiming to be a philosophical journey that unpacks Abloh’s core design principles—his “codes”—which championed transparency, collaboration, and an open-source ethos in creativity. This includes several collaborations, from his take on Nike sneakers to his influential work with Serena Williams, A$AP Rocky, and Takashi Murakami.
There is emphasis on Abloh’s profound impact as a cultural architect who consistently challenged established boundaries. As the first black designer to lead menswear at Louis Vuitton, he forged new paths, blending high fashion with streetwear sensibilities. The showcase features unfinished projects and early concepts, providing a rare insight into his evolving ideas and experimental process. These elements all touch on how Abloh’s training as an architect informed his ability to remix disciplines and elevate everyday objects into art, demonstrating his commitment to creative cross-pollination.
Beyond the archival display, The Codes will foster deeper engagement through a series of public programs. Workshops, artist talks, performances, and film screenings are designed to contextualize Abloh’s approach and stimulate dialogue within the broader creative community. These interactive components highlight the exhibition’s goal as an act of sharing Abloh’s methods and spirit of generosity with a new generation of creators.
The Codes at the Grand Palais is a testament to an enduring legacy and a profound “love letter” to the city that significantly shaped Abloh’s practice. It reinforces his vision of accessible creativity and collective knowledge. This comprehensive showcase signals that Abloh’s influence continues to reverberate, inspiring a perpetual reevaluation of how creativity can connect people and redefine industries far beyond the confines of fashion.