Virgil Abloh Foundation Appoints Athiththan Selvendran as Chief Creative Officer

Athiththan Selvendran Takes the Helm as Chief Creative Officer

In a significant move for the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF), Athiththan Selvendran, previously the Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer at Virgil Abloh Securities (VAS), has been announced as the new Chief Creative Officer. This appointment marks a pivotal expansion of Selvendran’s contributions to the foundation and highlights his growing influence as a creative strategist.

The announcement was made by Shannon Abloh, Virgil's widow, and reflects the foundation's commitment to preserving and continuing Virgil Abloh's influential legacy. Selvendran will not only manage the daily operations of VAS, which serves as a central hub for various projects and brands linked to the late designer, but he will also head the creative directions at the foundation.

With Athiththan now in this dual role, his responsibilities will include the preservation and cataloging of the Virgil Abloh Archives, as well as the design and launch of impactful initiatives such as ABLOH AIR. His vision aims to foster brand partnerships that will elevate opportunities for aspiring creatives and cultural leaders, ensuring that Virgil's ethos continues to resonate within creative communities.

Shannon Abloh's reflections on Selvendran's journey underscore the profound dedication and innovative spirit he has displayed. “Athi has demonstrated exceptional growth as a creative leader while contributing to the vision of the Virgil Abloh Foundation,” she stated. “His unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation makes him the perfect fit for this pivotal role.”

Since 2016, Selvendran has played a vital role in various entities associated with Virgil Abloh, such as Off-White and Louis Vuitton, and has collaborated on esteemed projects that honor Virgil’s legacy. Selvendran has assisted in curating impactful exhibitions like "Figures of Speech" at the Brooklyn Museum, and designed initiatives that pay homage to Abloh's creative journey, aiming to inspire future generations.

In his newly appointed role, Selvendran expressed, “The intention is to uphold Virgil Abloh's legacy by extending his methodologies and creative philosophies to the younger generation. I aspire to create avenues that will empower youth to dream, seek, and cultivate their own visions.” He emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where self-expression is limitless and creativity flourishes.

Selvendran's academic credentials are as impressive as his professional achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Entrepreneurship from Beloit College and has completed numerous courses at prestigious design institutions including the Fashion Institute of Technology and Central Saint Martins. Currently, he is pursuing an MBA as well as a Master of Science, enhancing his qualifications to lead in a creative capacity.

Established in 2022 by Shannon Abloh, the Virgil Abloh Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) philanthropic entity. It aims to perpetuate the ideals of inclusivity, collaboration, and equity that Virgil Abloh championed throughout his illustrious career. The foundation is dedicated to making systemic changes within the creative industries, striving to create more accessible and equitable opportunities for underrepresented youth and future cultural leaders.

Through thoughtful programming, mentorship, and collaborative projects, the Virgil Abloh Foundation is poised to significantly impact the landscape of creativity, ensuring that the vision of its namesake continues to inspire and drive change within the community. Selvendran’s appointment as Chief Creative Officer represents a hopeful step towards building a future where all young creatives can thrive and express their ideas without constraints.