Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 205 Ghana Celebrity Watch Virgil Abloh, CEO of Off White, spoke exclusively with Liz Segran, editor at Fast Company about the Black Lives Matter movement, and the criticism he has received in recent weeks. More Articles You Would Love Designer Gets Criticized For Using White Models in New “Komole” ad See Many Couples Who Broke The ‘Traditional White Wedding’ Rule As They Express Their Love In ‘All Black’ Attire Virgil came under serious public scrutiny for expressing dismay at the looting of businesses and publicized an underwhelming $50 insulting donation to the George Floyd Cause, which costs less than a belt on his website. Ghanaian & CEO Of Off-White, Virgil Abloh Slandered On Twitter After Sharing His $50 Donation To George Floyd’s Protest Online He stated earlier “Our own communities, our own shops… this shop was built with blood sweat and tears,” he wrote on Instagram. Many people responded angrily that he seemed to be showing more concern for the business community than for those fighting for racial justice. Abloh explained to Fast Company that he struggled throughout his life to become a business owner himself, and one of his central goals now that he is a successful designer is to support other Black businesses. He apologized for his comments on Instagram, writing, “People who criticize ‘looting’ often do so as a way to make it seem like our fight against injustice isn’t legitimate. I did not realize the ways my comments accidentally contributed to that narrative.” Abloh also posted an image of a $50 donation he made to an organization called Fempower that helped pay for the legal expenses of arrested protesters. This fueled even more anger, as people complained on social media that it was a measly sum for such a wealthy person to donate. Abloh insists it was a misunderstanding. “The goal was to say, ‘Get together with your friends and do what you can,’” Abloh says. “It was meant to say that no amount was too little to donate.” He later announced a donation of $20,500 to bail funds and other causes. The fashion industry is notoriously racist. Within the Council of Fashion Designers of America, one of the industry’s most prominent trade organizations, only 3% of members are Black. So when Abloh was named artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, making him one of the only Black designers at the helm of a luxury fashion house, the fashion media celebrated his appointment. Abloh understands the broader implications of his ascent. “I accept the circumstances of this position,” he says. “With great opportunity comes great responsibility. My goal is to lead by example.” “I believe there’s going to be a Black Renaissance,” Abloh tells Fast Company. “Before I felt very alone in this struggle, but now, people are ready for change. The atmosphere is different.” But these are not the only moments Virgil has come under fire for racism against blacks. Roughly last year in 2019 he was criticized for his all-white staff at Off-White which he celebrated with. Fans Come After The Ghanaian, Virgil Abloh, Who Championed Diversity At Louis V. For His All-White Staff At Off-White Actions speak louder than words, it’s okay to be opposed to rioters and looters, especially from the same community, however with his history, it makes one question if the apology is genuine or strictly marketing related. UPCOMING PRIORITY EVENTS! VIEW ALL EVENTS To Submit stories Email: submit@FashionGHANA.com or HashTag #FashionGHANA Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail Nana Tamakloe Founder of FashionGHANA.com and Accra Fashion Week. I'm grateful you visited, I hope you share, subscribe and share your comments or opinions below. More For You VIDEOS: Congolese Women & Children Celebrate As M23 Freedom Fighters Liberate Their Towns INTERVIEW: “From Escaping The Russia/Ukraine War To Modeling At Accra Fashion Week” Meet... AUDIO: Nana Tamakloe Advocates Against Second-Hand Clothing on Sputnik Radio #HOTSHOTS: New fG Editorial ‘LET IT FLOW’; A Captivating Celebration of Grace, Motion,... Dr. Dione Milan K. Washington Founder Of UDEFINEU Covers The 19th Edition Of... Face Of Accra Fashion Week 2025 Opens Applications For Its Nationwide Search Top 10 Strategies To Help You Create And Grow A Successful Fashion Line... Elikem’s Attempt To Take Credit For Inspiring Bondaana’s Mahama Inauguration Outfit Backfires; Ghanaians... Kimowa’s Dazzling Cowrie-Crowned Collection Steals the Show at Accra Fashion Week 2024! PICS: View Images Of Akufo Addo’s Statue Absolutely Desecrated