Virgil Abloh Responds to Walter Van Bierendonck's Plagiarism Claims
“They are a hate-filled attempt to discredit my work.”
Virgil Abloh, whom legendary Antwerp Six designer Walter Van Bierendonck slammed for allegedly copying his old designs, denied claims he plagiarized elements of his Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2021 menswear collection.
“Walter Van Beirendonck’s claims are completely false. They are a hate-filled attempt to discredit my work,” the designer commented in a statement. “The inspiration for my collection comes from the DNA of Louis Vuitton, specifically the 2005 Louis Vuitton menswear show, and it was clearly outlined in the notes distributed to the press when the show began. This is yet another instance of false equivalence to try to discredit me as a designer,” he added. Abloh also tweeted photos of the 2005 Louis Vuitton collection he allegedly drew inspiration from.
Earlier this month, Van Bierendonck told HYPEBEAST in an exclusive statement that Abloh used the Belgian designer’s “world, ideas, colors, signature, cuts, shapes as his collection moodboard.” Van Bierendonck pointed out undeniable similarities between his Fall/Winter 2016 collection and cartoon figures that Abloh stitched to outerwear throughout his range for Louis Vuitton. Abloh maintains that these stuffed animal-like additions reference teddy bears shown at Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2005 menswear show.
