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Victorinox Pays Tribute to Virgil Abloh with Off-White Swiss Army Knife
Victorinox has a long and storied history of production, including arguably the most recognisable multi-tool in the world. Over the years, the Switzerland-based manufacturer has partnered with several different brands on exclusive versions of its now-iconic Swiss Army Knife. A new addition to that collection is the result of a partnership with the late Virgil Abloh’s Off-White brand. It took two years to get the tool out, but it was well worth the wait.
RELATED: Victorinox Celebrates 125th Anniversary of the Swiss Army Knife
Victorinox x Off-White Swiss Army Knife | Image: Victorinox
The Off-White x Victorinox Limited Edition Swiss Army knife comes in the trademark white of Virgil Abloh’s brand rather than the Swiss Army Knife’s traditional red. Black graphics depict the evolution of tools, including a reference to Adam and Eve’s fig leaf and stone tools and then stretching forward in time to show the components of the modern tool. The knife’s contours are also new thanks to the rounded edges of the blades poking their way out of the knife’s body.
The new design also features a new material—Dorian Solid Surface. This new material is a composite of resin and natural minerals (another reference to ancient stone tools). Victorinox CEO Carl Elsener Jr, who is the great-grandson of the founder of Victorinox, Karl Elsener, visited the new Victorinox store on London’s Oxford to announce the new look as well as to celebrate the opening of a new store.
Victorinox x Off-White Swiss Army Knife | Image: Victorinox
Elsener’s wife, Veronika, said of Virgil Abloh before his passing, “He’s such an icon of culture; you can see how he’s always approaching things in a very conceptual way. Bringing that to our products really changes the perspective. He has become this superstar, an eminence.” That admiration is reflected in the result of the blade, but also in Elsener’s confession that his daughter, who was studying industrial design in Los Angeles, at the time was particularly excited about collaborating with Off-White.
And it looks like Abloh’s influence will continue beyond this single multi-tool. “I think it taught us we could be more open,” Elsener said of the collaboration. “He really had this openness, this creativity, but then the details and the function are still really important.” The Off-White x Victorinox Swiss Army knife is priced at USD$500 and will be restricted to just 3,000 pieces worlwide. It is available on Victorinox’s website and in their stores.
Victorinox x Off-White Swiss Army Knife | Image: Victorinox
Mr Mark Jessen
Mark Jessen studied English at Brigham Young University, completing a double emphasis in creative writing and professional writing/editing. After graduating, Mark went to work for a small publisher as their book editor. After a brief time as a freelance writer, Mark entered the corporate world as a copywriter. These days, his hours are spent mostly in proofing and editing, though he continues to create content for a wide variety of projects. In 2017, Mark completed UCLA's Creative Writing Certification. A prolific writer, Mark has over 20 years of experience in journalism.
