Virgil Abloh's legacy is distinguished by his exceptional ability to create and redefine narratives. Rather than hoarding his secrets to success, he embraced the role of an "Anti-Gatekeeper," striving to share his insights with as much of the culture as possible. Central to this ethos was his "3% philosophy." Abloh's 3% rule was founded on the belief that to sell something familiar, it needed a surprising twist, while to convey something surprising, it required a touch of familiarity. According to him, altering an existing object or idea by a mere 3% could transform it into something entirely new. What set him apart was his refusal to claim originality for ideas, openly acknowledging his sources of inspiration and the process behind his creations. This approach defied the norm in the fashion world, where designers often assert their ideas as wholly original, devoid of any external influence. Virgil, on the other hand, broke down these barriers. The concept was fully elucidated in Virgil Abloh's 2017 Harvard lecture, where he outlined the seven key elements of his brand's success. If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend doing so. This philosophy has since trickled down and left an indelible mark on various aspects of the fashion industry. From customized hats and varsity jackets to the resurgence of self-bootlegging and personalizing everyday pieces into unique creations, one can easily discern the influence of Abloh's 3% philosophy. Through this philosophy, Virgil aimed to liberate designers from the notion that they must always create something entirely new to produce quality design. Instead, he advocated for collaboration and openness, encouraging the acknowledgment of inspiration and collaboration rather than labeling it as "stealing designs." This perspective reminds us that most of what we see today can be traced back to its roots in previous inspirations. Via @phorin.collective