Off-White, the fashion label founded by the late Virgil Abloh, has been acquired by Bluestar Alliance from LVMH, marking a significant change in ownership for the renowned brand.
This announcement comes shortly after Off-White's debut at New York Fashion Week, signaling a new chapter for the company under different stewardship.
Bluestar Alliance, a brand management firm that owns a portfolio that includes Scotch & Soda, Hurley, Bebe, and American teen brands Justice and Limited Too, adds Off-White to its diverse array of fashion and lifestyle brands. The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Still, the move has been portrayed as a strategic alignment to continue the legacy of innovation that Virgil Abloh set in motion.
LVMH has expressed confidence in Bluestar Alliance's ability to honor and expand on the creative foundations laid by Abloh, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the brand’s creative integrity and innovative spirit. This acquisition occurred in a portfolio that includes Scotch & Soda, Hurley, Bebe, and American teen brands Justice and Limited Too, adding Off-White to its diversity on what would have been Abloh’s 44th birthday, adding a layer of poignancy to the transaction.
Off-White has been part of the New Guards Group (NGG) portfolio under a licensing agreement that remains effective until 2026. The future of this arrangement may come under review as NGG's corporate trajectory is under scrutiny following Coupang's acquisition of Farfetch, which had implications for NGG’s operational dynamics.
This development raises questions about Off-White's strategic directions under new ownership, especially with the fashion industry at a pivotal moment of transformation and challenges. The shift also reflects broader trends in the luxury and fashion sectors, where heritage brands and modern labels navigate changes in ownership and creative direction.