The Virgil Abloh-Directed “Peace of Mind” Video Benefits Charity
“I’m looking for some peace of mind,” Rema croons as he drives through traffic-packed Lagos, and well, we can most definitely relate. It’s the new visual for Virgil Abloh’s remix of the singer’s single “Peace of Mind,” and he’s releasing it for a good cause.
When rising Nigerian star Rema dropped “Peace of Mind” late last year, it became a soundtrack of sorts for the Nigerian youth wary from their fight against police brutality and the ruthless SARS regime. The song marinated in West Africa, where the young singer has an avid following, that is until Virgil Abloh blew the roof off it with his own remix.
Adding a pumping house beat to the song and mixing in melodies and chants from Fela Kuti’s classic “Water No Get Enemy,” Abloh timelessly amplified Rema’s message of finding an inner reprieve from the chaotic world outside. Now the designer and DJ has finally delivered a video befitting of the hit song.
The Virgil Abloh-directed visual follows Rema as he drives through Lagos and sings along to the song. His lyrics are scrawled urgently over the footage in a move typical of Abloh. The video is also entirely red-hued, a style choice, I’m sure, but it’s also a nod to the charity that this video spotlights.
The collaboration is for the recently released (RED) album DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support (RED)’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on life-saving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Rema’s the future, you can hear it in his voice and see it in his presence," Virgil Abloh states. “This creative collaboration with (RED) and Mavin Records has provided a platform for artists to create and give back to the community at the same time—I’m proud that my artistry can inspire and ultimately help those affected by COVID-19.”
You can watch the video for Virgil Abloh’s “Peace of Mind” remix below. And to learn more about (RED) and donate, click here.
Louis Vuitton rips off Birkenstock with a sandal that costs $1,000
Birkenstock, the sandals my 51-year-old stepdad was just recently waxing poetic about, have unexpectedly become a favorite among the men’s style crowd. For proof of how far the footwear previously worn by patchouli-smelling types has come, just look at what Louis Vuitton is doing.
Virgil Abloh and co. have introduced the “LV Trainer Mule,” which brings over motifs from the LV Trainer Sneaker while still looking a hell of a lot like Birkenstocks. There’s no reason to cry foul over plagiarism here — it’s just that we’d be remiss not to mention that Birkenstocks would serve you every bit as well as a new Louis Vuitton sandal for a tenth of the price.
Sometimes, expensive isn’t better. But if you’ve got paper like that and still want the LV Trainer Mule, just go ahead and admit you’re doing it for the logo.
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What’s it made of? — Calf suede and leather are used for the sandal’s upper, sitting atop an anatomical footbed. The rubber outsole is pulled directly from the LV Trainer, as are the two initial color schemes the LV Trainer Mule release. One is a tonal blue makeup with bright blue buckles and trim, which we have to admit is quite sexy. The other uses the same metallic foil leather as the gaudiest of LV Trainers, and well, it doesn’t look any less ridiculous here.
“Louis Vuitton” is signed onto the side of the strap unit, while symbols from the luxury house’s Damier pattern appear across the straps themselves. “LV” is then embossed into the footbed, and the buckles, too, are engraved with the brand name for good measure. So fret not, no one will miss the fact that you’re wearing Louis Vuitton sandals.
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BTS in Louis Vuitton is spring dressing on speed
K-pop powerhouse BTS (“Bangtan Sonyeondan”, translated as “Beyond The Scene”) has long been regarded by GQ as the best-dressed boy band to have ever graced the music biz (sorry, 1D). Whether dressed head to toe in Bottega Veneta by Daniel Lee for the 2020 Grammys, Celine for an appearance on The Today Show in the same year or Alexander McQueen ensembles for the Billboard Music Awards in 2019, the band has consistently impressed in the style stakes.
Now, the world-dominating seven-piece, which is made up of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook, has strengthened its fashion standing, becoming global ambassadors for Louis Vuitton. This follows on from their appearance at the 63rd Grammy Awards earlier this year, which saw them rock a suit for every occasion in an array of Virgil Abloh-designed Louis Vuitton looks: RM’s Zoom-ready hoodie with blazer-style pockets sat next to V and Jimin’s oversized suits.
The new announcement imagery sees the immaculately dressed boy band – who, since their debut in 2013, have been breaking records (they were the quickest to reach one million followers on TikTok, taking a little over three hours) and last year were named the bestselling musical act of 2020 by the IFPI – in a collective array of pastel-hued springtime outfits.
RM sports one of the label’s ceramic monogram-embellished tops under a pastel-blue unstructured, double-breasted suit; Jin wears a white peak-lapelled, single-breasted suit with laser cut-out detailing; V gives colour-clashing a go with a lavender-hued shirt and a pair of bubblegum-pink wide-leg slacks; and Suga has thrown on an oversized pink shirt, white straight-leg jeans and a pair of the brand’s stompy LV trainers.
As for the other three members, J Hope appears in a sky-blue shirt and a grey unbuttoned blazer, Jungkook throws on an Abloh-designed rain mac and Jimin serves a transitional ’fit of billowing Bermuda shorts and white overcoat.
Of the pairing, 40-year-old Abloh, who is also the founder of street-infused label Off-White, said, “I am delighted BTS are joining Louis Vuitton today. I am looking forward to this wonderful partnership, which adds a modern chapter to the house, merging luxury and contemporary culture. I can’t wait to share all the very exciting projects we are working on.”
Watch this space and in the meantime add a punchy pastel hit to your own spring wardrobe with the items below.
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