Virgil Abloh’s Influence Lives On With Harlem’s Fashion Row and LVMH’s New Partnership

Earlier today, Harlem’s Fashion Row announced a new partnership with LVMH North America to further diversity and inclusion efforts within the fashion industry, inspired in part by the legacy of Virgil Abloh, who died late last year at 41. Abloh was in the habit of meeting with young designers and creatives of color every six weeks for advice and mentorship, and his support of young Black emerging designers was an essential part of his creative practice. “LVMH is committed to having a positive impact in our communities and realizing the path forward set by Virgil Abloh and others who helped foster equity and inclusion in the fashion industry by supporting and building a pool of diverse creative talent,” said Corey Smith, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at LVMH.

In a panel hosted by Harlem’s Fashion Row founder Brandice Daniel and LVMH, the two revealed the new initiatives that the organizations will take to pave the way for emerging young talents of color in the industry, chief among them, a three-year mentorship program between Tiffany & Co. and HBCUs in the United States, as well as mentorship programs between Louis Vuitton executives and emerging designers at Harlem’s Fashion Row.