‘Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech’ Wins AIGA’s 50 Books Award

The title, featuring Abloh’s multifaceted work, is being recognized for its design.

Virgil Abloh just received a new form of recognition involving his latest book, “Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech.” The Louis Vuitton men’s creative director was awarded 2019 AIGA’s 50 Books Award, a competition that seeks to identify the 50 best-designed books and book covers of the year. 

“Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech” is a culmination of Abloh’s innovative work within the realm of fashion, architecture, and art, as well as an opportunity to “question everything.” Produced by Abloh himself and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, this three-in-one book features essays and interviews from Michael Rock, Samir Bantal, and other artistic talents, along with an overview of Abloh’s practices by Michael Darling. 

Over 1,800 never-before-seen images were extracted from Abloh’s personal archives, unveiling years of influences and collaborations throughout his career. The cover itself, though, is minimal: a blue hardcover shell with the word, “Artwork,” across the front. “Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech” also contains “Personal Copy” printed along the fore edge, and comes with a cloth slipcase and measuring tape ribbon marker. The book was overall recognized by AIGA’s jurors for its integrative design approach. 

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