Fashion conglomerate LVMH has announced that it has sold Off-White LLC, the company that owns the Off-White brand, to New York-based brand management company Bluestar Alliance LLC.
Founded by Joseph Gabbay and Ralph Gindi in 2006, Bluestar Alliance owns, manages, and markets a portfolio of consumer brands, particularly department store retail brands. Its portfolio consists of Hurley, Scotch & Soda, Bebe, Elie Tahari, Kensie, Justice, Catherine Malandrino, Nanette Lepore, English Laundry, Brookstone, Joan Vass and Limited Too.
According to a statement, the terms of the transaction “are not being disclosed”.
Joey Gabbay, CEO of Bluestar Alliance, said: “Virgil was a creative pioneer who had a profound impact on the global fashion industry and creative community. Acquiring Off-White represents a unique opportunity for Bluestar Alliance to honour and build upon the enduring legacy of Virgil Abloh. His visionary approach to fashion resonates deeply with our core values. Abloh’s ability to fuse street culture with high fashion has laid a powerful foundation that aligns with our vision of fostering innovation while embracing diversity.
“The acquisition of Off-White, and the opportunity to provide strategic investment and build upon our global network of resources will allow for the continuation of the cultural and creative momentum that Virgil ignited, one that Bluestar Alliance is committed to carrying forward.”
Off-White was founded by Virgil Abloh in 2013 and has become a pioneering force in the fashion industry. The brand defines the grey area between black and white as a colour – hence its black and white striped logo. Known for its distinctive blend of streetwear and high fashion, the brand embodies a contemporary aesthetic infused with cultural references.
In 2021, LVMH acquired a 60% stake in Off-White. However, despite the sale, the brand is still under a licensing agreement with the New Guards Group that it can terminate in 2026.
After Abloh passed away at age 41 from cancer in 2021, stylist Ibrahim Kamara took over as Creative Director. However, after trying to shift the brand from premium to luxury, LVMH along with Kamara seemed to have forfeited Off-White’s cult following in recent years. We await to see how its new owners plan to revamp the sweetwear brand.
LVMH said in the statement that it “is proud of the legacy that Off-White has built under Virgil Abloh’s visionary leadership. Bluestar Alliance is the perfect partner to carry that legacy forward”.
