06:00, 02 May 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Virgil Abloh wasn’t just a designer; he was a force. From being Louis Vuitton’s first Black artistic director to creating Off-White, he completely changed the game. His impact on fashion, culture, and society is still felt today, and as we celebrate Met Gala weekend, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on The Virgil Abloh Foundation, a charity that’s continuing his work and amplifying his vision.
Virgil wasn’t just about designing clothes. He was about opening doors. He redefined the relationship between streetwear and high fashion, making luxury more inclusive and experimental.
But his influence stretched far beyond the catwalk. Virgil used his platform to challenge norms, spark conversations, and make space for voices that were too often left out of the fashion industry. His style wasn’t just about what you wore, it was about who you were.
In a quote on the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)’s website, it says: “Equality not only means equal chances, but equal understandings—that is, differing points of view must be the standard if diversity and inclusion is the true aim.”
The Virgil Abloh Foundation isn’t just a tribute to his genius; it’s an extension of his values. Established to support young people from underrepresented backgrounds, the foundation focuses on empowering the next generation of creators.
Virgil was all about giving back, and this foundation makes sure that his work goes beyond fashion – helping to open doors in art, education, and business for those who might not have had the chance otherwise.
One of his most groundbreaking initiatives was the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, which gives Black students in fashion the financial support and mentorship they need to succeed. It’s a game-changer, and it’s just one example of how Abloh’s legacy continues to uplift those who follow in his footsteps.
For Virgil, philanthropy wasn’t just about donating money – it was about creating opportunities for those who have been traditionally excluded from the creative industries.
His foundation does exactly that: funding educational programmes, art initiatives, and entrepreneurial opportunities that open up pathways for young people to thrive. This isn’t charity; it’s a movement to level the playing field and make sure the next wave of talent has everything they need to succeed.
As Met Gala weekend rolls around, it’s important to remember that Virgil’s legacy isn’t just in the clothes he designed or the stages he graced. The Virgil Abloh Foundation is the perfect way to carry his impact forward, one creative at a time. And that’s something we can all get behind.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Virgil Abloh Foundation. This foundation is on a mission to empower young, underrepresented individuals through education, mentorship, and creative opportunities in fashion and the arts. Find out more.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This organisation supports diverse artistic voices and includes education and public programmes designed to make art more accessible to people from all backgrounds. Learn more here.
The Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF). With a history of partnering with Virgil Abloh's Post-Modern Scholarship Fund, this scholarship offers financial aid and mentorship to students of colour pursuing careers in fashion. Support them here.
