LVMH, the French luxury goods conglomerate, has sold the Off-White streetwear brand to Bluestar Alliance LLC. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Off-White was founded by the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh in 2012.
The brand quickly gained a strong following among fashion enthusiasts and celebrities for its distinctive streetwear and high-profile collaborations. Abloh, who passed away in 2021, was a pioneering figure in the fashion industry. He was one of the few Black designers to lead a major luxury brand and was known for his innovative designs and influence on contemporary fashion.
LVMH bought a majority stake in Off-White LLC in 2021, initially acquiring 60 percent of the company. Abloh retained a 40 percent interest and continued as creative director.
LVMH sells Off-White to Bluestar
The sale of Off-White comes as LVMH continues to dominate the luxury goods market with its other high-profile brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Givenchy. Bluestar Alliance, founded by Joey Gabbay and Ralph Gindi in 2006, manages a portfolio of consumer brands, including Hurley, Scotch & Soda, Bebe, Elie Tahari, and Catherine Malandrino. In a statement, Joey Gabbay, CEO of Bluestar Alliance, said, “Acquiring Off-White represents a unique opportunity for Bluestar Alliance to honor and build upon the enduring legacy of Virgil Abloh.”
LVMH expressed pride in the legacy that Off-White has built under Abloh’s visionary leadership.
The group believes Bluestar Alliance is the perfect partner to carry that legacy forward, with a shared commitment to creative integrity. The future of Ibrahim “Ib” Kamara, the current art and image director of Off-White, was not provided. Kamara, known for his work exploring gender codes and Black identity, succeeded Abloh after his untimely death.
The sale of Off-White underscores the competitive and evolving nature of the fashion industry, as companies continually adapt to market trends and consumer preferences. The brand, under new ownership, is expected to retain its unique position in the fashion world, continuing to offer the bold, innovative designs that have made it a staple in streetwear fashion.
