VIRGIL ABLOH ARCHIVE UNVEILS FIRST PUBLICATION FOR 55 DOLLARS

The Archive Speaks

Nice Kicks announced the debut of The Virgil Reader Vol. 001 on March 5, 2026. The publication compiles conversations with Abloh from 2017 to 2020 and retails for $55.

The Virgil Abloh Archive contains over 20,000 objects from Virgil's creative practice. The collection spans nearly two decades of the late designer's multidisciplinary work.

Beyond Fashion

The publication positions itself as more than memorabilia. It offers an inside look at Abloh's creative process across fashion, design, music, and art through interviews and archival materials.

Virgil Abloh died November 28, 2021 at age 41 after a private battle with cardiac angiosarcoma. He was diagnosed with the rare, aggressive form of cancer in 2019 but kept the diagnosis private while continuing his work.

Cultural Impact

Abloh was the first Black man to helm a major fashion brand, ascending to the role of artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear. In July 2021, Abloh was appointed to a new position within LVMH that afforded him broad influence across the group's 75 brands.

The publication launches in tandem as a printed extension of his open-source philosophy. This aligns with Abloh's belief that creativity should be accessible to everyone.

The Archive's Mission

Virgil often described creativity as access, as the act of opening doors. The very existence of this exhibition is a reminder of one of Virgil's core beliefs: that art should be accessible to everyone.

The Reader represents the Archive's commitment to continuing Abloh's legacy through education and cultural exchange. At $55, the publication positions itself at the intersection of luxury and accessibility that defined Abloh's approach to design.

Looking Forward

The Virgil Abloh Archive has been actively presenting exhibitions globally. In 2025, a retrospective exhibition of Abloh's work, Virgil Abloh: The Codes, was held at the Grand Palais in Paris during Paris Fashion Week.

This publication launch signals the Archive's expansion beyond physical exhibitions into printed media. The Reader Vol. 001 suggests future volumes may follow, creating an ongoing dialogue between Abloh's archived thoughts and contemporary culture.

Related Reading

- VIRGIL ABLOH Lv LOGO ITERATIONS PROVE DESIGN IMMORTALITY
- VIRGIL ABLOH ARCHIVE AIR JORDAN 1 ALASKA RETURNS MARCH 28
- Why Takashi Murakami at 64 Is Still Changing Art