A major retrospective of the work of designer Virgil Abloh has opened in Chicago, bringing together everything from architectural constructions to Nike sneaker designs and slogan rugs for IKEA.
On show at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA), Figures of Speech is curated by Michael Darling, and designed by Abloh and Samir Bantal, director of OMA's in-house research and design studio AMO.
It is the first solo exhibition for the American designer who made his name working for Kanye West, and is now CEO of fashion brand Off-White and men's creative director at Louis Vuitton.

Covering the museum's fourth floor, Figures of Speech explores the different worlds that Virgil moves in, covering fashion, design, music, art and architecture.
The slogans that provide a common thread in Abloh's designs feature throughout. "For me, Figures of Speech is an art exhibition rooted in advertising and the projected image," explained Abloh.

"Any time an idea takes shape on a particular surface ? a photo print, a screen, a billboard, or canvas ? it becomes real. This exhibition demonstrates how I wrestle with this concept freed from any one medium, looking for personal and specific solutions," he continued.
"This 20-year survey shows how I am constantly looking for a way to transform myself from consumer to producer, navigating a path between tourist and purist, between the literal and the figurative."

A bright hall features dozens of Abloh's sneaker des...