More than a biography of Abloh’s rise and reign in the fashion world. Givhan deftly balances her intimate portrait of him with analysis of how the fashion industry has dealt with race and racism over the past century ... In a world full of celebrity memoirs and biographies, Make It Ours stands out because of the sheer volume and quality of reporting it’s built on ... Perhaps the most rewarding part of Givhan’s strong reporting is her many interviews with Abloh’s bosses, peers, fans, friends and family.
Toggling between biography and cultural history, Givhan posits that Abloh’s success was at once a feat he was uniquely poised to achieve and indicative of the winds of change already sweeping through a high-end fashion industry seeking to appeal to a younger, more diverse consumer base ... Illuminating ... Givhan implies that Abloh’s greatest contribution was, fittingly, a feat of branding.
This refreshing take on biography celebrates individual achievement by placing it in a dynamic social and cultural context. It is just the right treatment for Abloh, who, as Givhan argues, built his design career by celebrating and facilitating community.
The book amply displays her deep knowledge of the fashion industry and her understanding of how history, culture, and systems of oppression shape style. A finely tailored biography of a prestigious designer.
