NEIL RASMUS/BFA.COM

Virgil Abloh spent the night at Saks Fifth Avenue‘s new in-store hot spot, L’Avenue, to toast his new capsule with the mega department store. He was joined by friends including Gigi Hadid—who held her 24th birthday party there a few nights prior—Luka Sabbat, Olivia Culpo, Heron Preston, and Jimmy Fallon. People show up for a Virgil Abloh, Off-White event.

The man has proven he has that indescribable, allusive magic—the ability to make people want to buy things. And he’s happy to share the magic, signing onto collaborations that both surprise and delight. His Saks capsule is no different. It just makes good sense—filled with Off-White heroes including a denim jacket, a little black dress, cool kicks, a white tee—all inspired by “fine art.” Below, Abloh allows BAZAAR.com into his process, just a bit.

What was the inspiration for the capsule collection?

The instance of my brand, Off-White, to have a personal dialogue with Saks. My goal and inspiration was to tell an angle of the brand that would be more direct and momentous with their customer.

What does the term fine art mean to you?

A means of communication to tell a story.

Do you believe that fashion is art or can be?

Fashion is art to me–I’m involved with all facets of art. My work in architecture, music, fashion, and my art exhibitions all work hand in hand and serve as inspiration to one another. I see fashion and art as one great entity.

You’ve become synonymous with the impactful collaboration, why do you like doing collaborations?

I enjoy doing collaborations because I’m an optimist. Collaborations provide the opportunity to explore ideas and create things that haven’t been done before–or even perhaps give way to change the scope of fashion altogether.

How do you balance working on your own brand and LV?

I’m inspired by the natural pace of life–there are no dull moments or off time. I’m invigorated by existing–I don’t get any gratification by not existing, so the balance is instinctive.

From: Harper’s BAZAAR US