Athi Selvendran Appointed Creative Director of the Virgil Abloh Foundation

Athi Selvendran Takes on New Role at the Virgil Abloh Foundation

In a significant move for the Virgil Abloh Foundation (VAF), Athiththan Selvendran, often referred to as Athi, has been appointed as the creative director. Previously serving as the chief of staff to the late Virgil Abloh and currently the chief operating officer of Virgil Abloh Securities (VAS), Athi brings a wealth of experience and a unique vision to this new position.

The announcement was made by Shannon Abloh, Virgil's wife and the foundation's driving force. This new role expands Selvendran's influence as a creator and strategist. His dual responsibilities include overseeing the daily operations at VAS— the central hub for all creative projects associated with the Abloh legacy—while also leading the foundation's creative direction.

Preserving the Legacy of Virgil Abloh

The Virgil Abloh Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of VAS and aims to honor the legacy of its namesake, who is hailed as a visionary designer, cultural pioneer, and innovator. As part of his role, Athi will be responsible for the preservation and archiving of the Virgil Abloh Archives, ensuring that future generations have access to these valuable resources.

In addition, Athi will spearhead creative design initiatives and global impact programs such as ABLOH AIR, aimed at increasing visibility and opportunities for aspiring creatives, cultural leaders, and community advocates. His vision aligns with the foundation’s mission to make creative spaces more equitable and accessible.

Shannon expressed her enthusiasm for Athi's new role, stating, "Witnessing Athi's growth as a creative force while building the Virgil Abloh Foundation has been nothing short of extraordinary. His unyielding commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering innovation ensures that Virgil’s visionary ethos continues to live on."

Athi Selvendran’s Journey and Vision

Athi Selvendran has been an integral part of several pioneering projects under Virgil Abloh's direction, from Off-White to Louis Vuitton and beyond. His hands-on experience with Abloh's multiple enterprises laid a solid foundation for his new responsibilities. Following Virgil's passing, Athi worked closely with Shannon to deliver internationally recognized projects that pay homage to Virgil's impact within the design world.

His journey began in New York City's Jamaica, Queens. Athi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Beloit College, majoring in International Relations and Entrepreneurship. His diverse educational background is enriched with courses from prestigious institutions such as the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design.

As he takes on this new position, Athi expressed his ambition to preserve and share Virgil Abloh's philosophy and methodology. "My commitment is to build pathways that empower young creatives, allowing them to dream, pursue, and believe in their visions without limitations. I hope to foster an inclusive dialogue where diverse experiences can converge to inspire collaboration."

The Future of the Virgil Abloh Foundation

Founded in 2022, the Virgil Abloh Foundation aims to continue the philanthropic endeavors that passionate were dear to both Virgil and Shannon Abloh. By focusing on educational programs and community-building initiatives, the foundation seeks to facilitate systemic change within creative industries, offering guidance to underrepresented youth, cultural leaders, and changemakers.

Ultimately, Athi Selvendran's appointment represents a new chapter for the Virgil Abloh Foundation and its mission to promote equity, creativity, and inclusivity within the arts. As he embarks on this journey, the creative community looks forward to his contributions that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the creative landscape.