I picked up Make It Ours expecting an in-depth exploration of Virgil Abloh, his creative process, his groundbreaking influence on fashion, and the unique vision that made him such a cultural force.
Unfortunately, this book didn't deliver on that.
Instead of providing meaningful insight into Abloh's life and work, the author seemed to use his name as a starting point to focus more broadly on the history of Black designers in fashion. While that subject is important and worth writing about, it overshadowed the very figure the book was supposed to highlight.
Abloh's story was never explored in the depth it deserved, and as a result, nothing in the book truly stood out about him.
Another issue was the level of detail spent on things that felt unnecessary for the intended audience.
Large portions of the book explain basics like Air Jordans and other well-known sneaker models. If someone is reading a book about Virgil Abloh-a designer whose career redefined streetwear and high fashion-they probably don't need a primer on what Jordans are.
Overall, the book came across as being written by someone who doesn't fully understand the world Virgil Abloh helped shape. Rather than celebrating his groundbreaking achievements and offering readers new perspective on his artistry, Make It Ours felt more like a missed opportunity