An exhibition titled "Virgil Abloh: The Codes" opened at the Grand Palais in Paris during Paris Fashion Week, showcasing the late designer's跨界 work. The centerpiece is a one-of-a-kind McIntosh amplifier, the MA8950 x Virgil Abloh Integrated Amplifier, based on a design Abloh conceived in 2020 and completed posthumously by his team. The show also features a recreation of his sound setup, a wall of collaborative shoes, his original work table, archival pieces from Pyrex Vision and Chrome Hearts, and a Nike customization station.
The exhibition matters because it demonstrates how Abloh's vision continues to influence the intersection of fashion, design, music, and art after his death in 2021. The collaboration with McIntosh, a legacy audio brand, highlights his belief that all creative disciplines can be elevated to high art. It also underscores the ongoing cultural and commercial power of his estate, as brands like Louis Vuitton, Nike, and Chrome Hearts participate in preserving and extending his legacy.