Off-White has officially shut down its flagship New York City retail outpost, the EM PTY GALLERY.
Opened by brand founder Virgil Abloh in the city’s Soho neighborhood in 2017, the versatile space acted as more than just a shopping destination; it was a revolving gallery hosting changing exhibtions, and Off-White’s products became the buyable decor that surrounded them. It was the late fashion genius’ response to the humdrum retail environment at the time, and, notably, the brand’s first sstore in the U.S. Today, its closing marks the end of an era.
Following Abloh’s passing, stylist and then-editor-in-chief of Dazed Ib Kamara was appointed the art and image director for Off-White. Kamara’s work has been well-received by many, though the brand has struggled to find a solid footing in Abloh’s absence. Over the last four years, Off-White has closed all six of its China stores, though the brand still operates retail locations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
In September of last year, LVMH sold Off-White LLC—the Off-White label’s parent comany—to brand management compant Bluestar Alliance. Financial details of the deal were not revealed, but the sale meant that the Abloh-founded label would join Bluestar Allieance’s expanding brand portfolio, which presently includes Hurley, Scotch & Soda, Bebe, English Laundry and Brookstone. LVMH stated that it believed Bluestar Alliance to be the “perfect partner” to carry on the Abloh-founded brand’s legacy.
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