Off-White designer Virgil Abloh was busy during this past weekend’s NBA All-Star festivities in Chicago, though he did take the time reflect on his contributions to the Chicago community through appearances at the newly-renovated Boys & Girls Club basketball court and at the NikeLab Re-Creation Center, two facilities that Abloh designed and developed through his partnership with Nike.
On Saturday, Virgil, along with NBA stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, spoke at the Boys & Girls Club, reflecting on the impact that the space, in addition to the NikeLab Re-Creation Center, has on the Chicago community. Each space gives the city’s underserved youth the necessary tools and resources to guide them through their creative path. Virgil also gave his insights behind his design process with Off-White and Louis Vuitton and spoke on his personal philosophies at the event.
On Sunday, Abloh and a small group of local creatives held a hoodie customization workshop at the NikeLab Re-Creation Center. While there, Abloh addressed the unique way the space connects community within a retail environment. The hoodie workshop was followed by an Air Force 1 customization workshop later in the day.
The events this past weekend were a part of a new project that Abloh is calling “Community Service”, expanding on Nike and Abloh’s commitment to providing a cultural hub to spark creativity and giving youth creatives the tools needed to elevate their craft. Check out the photos from this past weekend below.
