Wairua Mauri-Oho - My first and middle names.
My Father asked upon a man who was very highly regarded in his eyes, a man who he looked up to greatly, for a special name. I was given the name Wairua Mauri-Oho.
In my life, I have always wondered why my name was so different from other people's names. Even out of all the other kids I knew with Māori names, I always wondered why mine was so "different". Today I use "unique", different yes. But it is as unique as it is different.
My name has mapped out my life.
I have grown into my name and use it as the backbone of everything I do. I stand to uphold the power in my name and will do anything within my capabilities to do so.
WAIRUA MAURI-OHO as a clothing brand is a reflection of my material being.
It is a representation of the image I present to the world. Naturally introverted, my most comfortable way of saying something without speaking has always been through what I wear. Whether my style is or has ever been tasteful is a debate within itself.
What I'm sure of is that at every stage of my life, I have always thought that the clothing I specifically chose to wear at that very moment, explained who I was as a person the best.
Wairua Mauri-Oho may be ever-changing as a clothing brand, just as I am as a human. But one thing I stand to hold true is that the quality of each garment is as genuine as I stand to be as a person.
Wairua Mauri-Oho - Spiritual Awakening
Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ embarks on a new narrative where free thinking inspires a pioneering format for the future, where the age of imagination is the product of reality.
Inspired by Virgil’s vision and approach to his art, Off-White™ nourishes a collective of creative minds that represent the best in their category and have a strong and personal connection with Virgil. Ibrahim’s relationship with Virgil and Off-White™, born and nurtured through Instagram DMs, blossomed both personally and professionally over the last 3 years creating a strong bond based on mutual respect and shared values.
“Making a successful luxury brand in nine years is genius. It’s a feat that I admire and hope to continue building upon with a rich legacy. He revolutionised streetwear and luxury that crosses generations and decades. He showed the world that the underrepresented, the underdogs and Black people, in particular, have brilliant minds and can push and compete equally in the establishment. He inspired hope and brought about change.” - Ibrahim Kamara, Art&Image Director Off-White™