The world is in mourning today following the news of the death of iconic designer Virgil Abloh, who died after a long battle with cancer.
The 41-year-old was a defining figure in streetwear, becoming Louis Vuitton’s first black creative director and changing sneaker culture with his iconic “Off-White†kicks.
Abloh’s presence in the sports world was huge, especially in the NBA with several players wearing his iconic sneakers in games.
In 2020, the NBA entered into a partnership with Louis Vuitton, with Abloh designing a variety of capsules crossing the luxury brand with the league identity, including a bespoke LV case for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Luis Vuitton’s Virgil Abloh transformed Madison Square Garden to unveil the LVxNBA men’s clothing capsule collection.
The partnership also includes the creation of the bespoke Louis Vuitton travel vase for the Larry O’Brien trophy. pic.twitter.com/iY2wpF4qv7
– Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 20, 2020
Russell Westbrook paid tribute to the influential designer, with several players and teams taking to social media to offer their condolences.
Clippers star Paul George spoke to the media after their game against the Warriors, describing Abloh as “one of a kind” with his impact on culture.
“A pioneer for our generation, the younger generation,†said George. “He just created a wave of young African Americans, young men and women of color, to bridge the gap. Especially with something as big as Nike and the fashion world. He was one of a kind and has definitely opened the doors for a lot of promising designers. He deserves his flowers. It’s unfortunate. “
The Bulls family would like to extend their sincere condolences to the friends and family of Virgil Abloh, a creative force that has inspired so many. He will be sorely missed.
– Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 28, 2021
Over the years, Abloh’s sneakers have been a staple on the pitch for some of the league’s forward-thinking players, including PJ Tucker, Jordan Clarkson and Montrezl Harrel.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most iconic Off-Whites we’ve seen adorning hardwood over the years.
Montrezl Harrell
Last week against the Charlotte Hornets, Harrell released the Off-White Jordan 1.
Jordan clarkson
In 2017, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Clarkson rocked the Off-White x Nike React Hyperdunk.
Russell westbrook
In 2018, Russell Westbrook arrived for a playoff game against the Utah Jazz in the Off-White c / o Virgil Abloh Converse Chuck Taylor.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker’s sneaker game is on another level, frequently rocking a series of different PEs of Kobe, but the Phoenix Suns keeper has been out on the pitch often wearing some of Abloh’s designs.
In 2018 he wore the Converse Chuck 70 Off-White.
In 2017, against the Los Angeles Lakers, Booker was buckling in the Off-White Hyperdunks
PJ Tucker
There was no greater supporter of Virgil Abloh’s designs in the NBA than the King PJ Tucker sneaker, which has just about every sneaker in its rotation.
Even the Off-White x Nike Air Max 90.
In 2020, Tucker hit the ground at Madison Square Garden in the Off-White Jordan V !.
In 2017, Tucker rocked Off-White Air Jordan 1.
In the 2020 NBA Finals, Tucker debuted a pair of custom Jordan 1s designed by shoe surgeon and jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills, who remixed the Off-White 1s into a diamond encrusted work of art. .
Even Giannis Antetokounmpo did not believe it.
The $ 250,000 sneakers are one of Tucker’s only ones.
While playing for the Houston Rockets, the NBA sneaker king released a pair of Nike Hyperdunk sneakers from Abloh, customized by The Shoe Surgeon.
Abloh’s version was in white, but Tucker added the red colourway to go with his Houston uniform.
Abloh’s influence on NBA fashion was immense and his life and art will survive through his designs.
Rest in peace.