Off-White, the Milan-based fashion powerhouse, brought its Spring 2025 collection to New York Fashion Week, marking the brand’s first-ever stateside runway show. Creative director Ib Kamara, handpicked successor to the late Virgil Abloh, presented a collection that seamlessly blends African craftsmanship with American sportswear, creating a modern wardrobe for the global traveler.
The show, aptly titled “Duty Free,” took place on the waterfront basketball courts of Brooklyn Bridge Park, symbolizing the brand’s connection to urban culture and community. This choice of venue perfectly encapsulated Off-White’s DNA, rooted in streetwear and sportswear, while also serving as a metaphor for the immigrant experience – a theme close to Kamara’s heart.
Kamara’s inspiration for the collection stemmed from a recent trip to Ghana, Abloh’s ancestral home. The designer spent three weeks immersing himself in local markets, collaborating with artisans, and gathering fabrics that would inform the collection’s aesthetic. This fusion of African influences and contemporary design resulted in a lineup that was both innovative and deeply personal.
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The menswear offerings showcased Kamara’s strengths, featuring modular urban uniforms with practical yet stylish elements. Standout pieces included vests and jackets with zippered panels at the hems, and trousers with front zippers that doubled as utility pockets. The collection also incorporated letterman jackets adorned with logo patches and hoodies featuring artwork by Ghanaian artist Nana Danso, further emphasizing the cultural fusion at play.
Color and texture played significant roles in the menswear lineup, with vibrant, shredded denim pieces and crystal-embellished hoodies adding a touch of maximalism to the otherwise utilitarian designs. Camouflage patterns and sports-inspired numbering on various garments reinforced the collection’s street-ready appeal.
The show attracted a star-studded front row, including celebrities like Flavor Flav, Zayn Malik, Mary J. Blige, and Camila Cabello. Tennis player Francis Tiafoe, who shares Sierra Leonean heritage with Kamara, expressed his enthusiasm for the entire collection.
