Last Design by Virgil Abloh Pays Tribute to Skateboarding and Community
Off-White has announced the upcoming release of the VULCANIZED 779 (VULC 779) sneaker, the last design by the brand’s founder, Virgil Abloh. The launch will be celebrated with global activations reflecting the shoe’s core inspirations: skateboarding and community.
The VULC 779 incorporates design elements aimed at protecting the shoe’s contact points with the skateboard, such as the toe cap, heel cup, and sole. The sneaker will be available in four colorways: Black-Black, Army Green-Blue, White-Beige, and Dark Grey-Ice. The shoe’s name, VULC 779, is inspired by the area code of Abloh’s hometown, Rockford City, Illinois. Abloh’s vision for the sneaker emphasizes inclusivity and community. “We’re making a global community regardless of the elitism or sort of territorial-ness that can happen in subculture,” he stated. The launch campaign features skaters Gabriel Fortunato, Adrianne Sloboh, Davey Sales, Yuri Facchini, Jessyka Bailey, and Marie De Courcy.
Global launch events will include a series of pre-launch partnership events and the official global launch at the 779 EXPO in New York. Creatives involved in these events include Alex Sossah, Kaspar Van Lierop, Metallic Inc., Kyota Umeki, Manaré, and others.
Cristiano Fagnani, Off-White CEO, said,
Off-White is an idea the world caught up to. It was the brand that changed the fashion industry. The VULC 779 embodies the ethos of the brand we continue to nurture. It is our way to celebrate skate culture and pay homage to a community we highly respect.”
Artistic Director IB Kamara added, “The VULC 779 is about youth, it’s a celebration of culture and a connection to community. It sums up beautifully who we are at Off-White and what the brand is about.”
The pre-launch series begins on July 11 at Selfridges in London as part of Sportopia. For one month, guests can shop the VULC 779 in select colorways and book complimentary skate lessons at The Bowl, hosted by Off-White. A panel at Selfridges Cinema will discuss “The Power of Skate Culture in Pop Culture.”
On July 18, the VULC 779 arrives at Four Amsterdam, with a pop-up and event at Skatecafe. The final pre-launch event will be at END. Milano on July 25, featuring an immersive experience and custom skate obstacles.
The global debut of the VULC 779 will take place at the 779 EXPO in New York, featuring an exhibition space and art skate park with collaborative works by young global creatives.
The VULC 779 will be available at Selfridges in London from July 11 to August 8; Four Amsterdam from July 18 to August 18; END. Milano from July 25 to August 25; and globally at www.off—white.com, Off-White stores, and select retail partners starting September 2024.
