Off-WhiteTM debuts VULC 779, the sneaker inspired by and dedicated to the global skate community

Off-WhiteTM celebrates the upcoming release of the VULCANIZED 779 (VULC 779), the last sneaker designed by the brand’s founder Virgil Abloh, with global activations that reflect the shoe’s core inspirations: skateboarding and community.

The shoe itself speaks to Abloh’s dedication to skate by incorporating key design elements that aim to protect the parts of the shoe that come in contact with the board. Specifically, the toe cap, heel cup, and sole get special attention, with strategic material- and color-blocking spanning the sneaker’s four launch colorways: Black-Black, Army Green-Blue, White-Beige, and Dark Grey-Ice.

Meanwhile, the VULC 779 takes its name from 815/779, the area code of Abloh’s hometown, Rockford City, Illinois, near Chicago. And the shoe’s debut events and foundational collaborations remain true to his democratic declaration: "We’re making a global community regardless of the elitism or sort of territorial-ness that can happen in subculture."

For the launch of the VULC 779, this community includes skaters Gabriel Fortunato, Adrianne Sloboh, Davey Sales, Yuri Facchini, Jessyka Bailey, Marie De Courcy, who star in the sneaker’s campaign. It also comprises a cohort of international creatives ranging from Alex Sossah, Kaspar Van Lierop, Metallic Inc., Kyota Umeki, Manaré, and Hugo Campan to Nolan Zangas, Fin Flint, Nicolo Giovannoni, Slawn, Eugen, Jake Bisley and Soldier, who respectively collaborated with Off- WhiteTM on a series of exclusive pre-launch partnership events and the shoe’s official global launch at the 779 EXPO in New York.

“Off-WhiteTM isanideatheworldcaughtupto.Itwasthebrandthatchangedthefashionindustry. Because, Virgil himself wanted a platform and creative space so he imagined a brand, a canvas that became reality. Off-White.
The VULC 779 - more than many other products we have created and launched - embodies the ethos of the brand we continue to nurture. Yet the launch of VULC 779 hits different. It's a project that carries a lot of emotions for me, a true labor of love for the entire team involved.

It is our way to celebrate skate culture and pay homage to a community we highly respect. It is about our love for sport , for the youths we want to inspire and be inspired by”, says Cristiano Fagnani, Off-WhiteTM CEO.

“The VULC 779 is about youth, it's a celebration of culture and a connection to community. It sums up beautifully who we are at Off-WhiteTM and what the brand is about.
It's a great honor and privilege to be in this position and be able to still celebrate V and have his vision as part of our daily conversation. He was always 3 steps ahead, and this project is proof of that. When I was first approached by Cristiano (Fagnani) and the team about this shoe I was thrilled for it to come to life but needed to make sure the timing was just right”, says IB Kamara, Artistic Director of the brand.

The pre-launch series kicks off on 11 July at Selfridges in London as part of Sportopia, a celebration of sport this summer at Selfridges. For one month guests can shop the VULC 779 in Black-Black, White-Beige, and Dark Grey-Ice at an in-store pop-up shop. They can also book complimentary one-on-one or group skate lessons at The Bowl, hosted by Off-WhiteTM. Plus, with every lesson or purchase, they can receive complimentary Off-WhiteTM grips and stickers at the temporary 779 Skateshop, both available on a limited first-come, first-served basis. "The Power of Skate Culture in Pop Culture"— a panel at Selfridges Cinema curated by Off-WhiteTM, featuring key figures from the skate community alongside young London creatives — underscores the VULC 779’s essential purpose.

On July 18, the VULC 779 travels to Four Amsterdam, the Dutch capital’s renowned retail spot for menswear and streetwear. As in London, a dedicated pop-up offers the sneaker (in Black-Black, Army Green-Blue, White-Beige, and Dark Grey-Ice), while an Off-WhiteTM event will take place at Skatecafe cementing the collaboration and its connection to the city and its subcultures.

The VULC 779’s last stop before its official drop is in Milan, at END. Milano, among the city’s premium fashion and streetwear destinations. Starting July 25, Off-WhiteTM takes over its windows and in-store displays, offering an immersive experience of the VULC 779 in conversation with local skate culture and community. Custom skate obstacles — placed outside the shop for Milanese skaters to use during a premiere event and kept both inside and outside the store as design items — add to the collaboration and nod to the month-long activation, where guests can purchase the sneaker in Black-Black or White-Beige.

Finally, to mark its global debut, the VULC 779 arrives in New York for the 779 EXPO held at em pty gallery. The Off-WhiteTM-designed expo features an exhibition space and art skate park, each showcasing a collaborative series of skate-inspired works by young global creatives, including zines, editorials, installations, films, music compositions, architectural constructs such as a skate obstacle, and more — essentially any form of expression that aligns with skate culture.

The VULC 779 is available at Selfridges in London July 11-August 8; Four Amsterdam July 18 - August 18; END. Milano July 25-August 25, and globally at www.off---white.com, Off-WhiteTM stores, and select retail partners worldwide starting September 2024.