Through the Creator Series, ABLOH AIR students engage directly with established creatives across fashion, music, design, and media through virtual and in-person sessions, workshops, and conversations. These exchanges offer insight into creative careers, exploring the realities of building a practice, navigating challenges, and shaping a personal vision.Launched as a monthly virtual program rooted in Virgil Abloh’s philosophy of open access and mentorship, the series connects students with industry leaders through authentic dialogue and practical insight.In 2025, the Creator Series was piloted with ABLOH AIR Flight 000, delivering 11 sessions between 2024 and 2025. With Flight 001, the program expanded to include hybrid workshops, studio visits, and community gatherings in cities such as Chicago and Paris, deepening engagement while maintaining accessible virtual participation.

[001] Russell Winfield − Collaboration and Constructive Criticism[002] Fabien Montique − How to Network[003] Alaska Alaska − Navigating Your Creative Path[004] Oana Stanescu − Building an Impactful Portfolio[005] Naecia Dixon − Creative Identity and Branding[006] Bafic − Travel and Grounding Creativity[007] Align Social Impact − Production 101[008] Marcus Andrew − The Big Idea[009] Gabriel Moses − Embracing Your Journey[010] Samir Bantal − Where Life and Architecture Intersect[011] Easy Otabor − Becoming the Artist You EnvisionToday, the Creator Series remains a core pillar of the ABLOH AIR experience. It reflects Virgil Abloh’s belief in the power of mentorship, lived experience, and access to industry voices − ensuring that emerging creatives are not only inspired, but equipped, connected, and supported as they build sustainable creative futures.

The Flight 000 international trip was a 10-day immersive journey designed to spark cultural exposure and creative inspiration for the inaugural ABLOH AIR cohort.The experience began in Chicago with a cohort send-off at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), bringing together students, families, and program mentors before departure.From there, students traveled to London and Paris, where they engaged in curated studio visits, artist conversations, workshops, and cultural explorations across art, fashion, and design.The trip offered a rare opportunity for the cohort to experience creative ecosystems firsthand − connecting with leading voices, institutions, and spaces that shape global culture.

Students traveled internationally to engage directly with creative leaders and cultural institutions across London and Paris.

Key Experiences:01. Studio visits and workshops with leading creatives across art, fashion, and design02. Institutional visits including 180 Strand, Tate Modern, and the Royal College of Art03. Creative collaborations and campaign production with industry practitioners04. Photography and design workshops exploring storytelling and visual identityImpact on Students:01. Expanded exposure to global creative industries02. Direct dialogue with artists, designers, and cultural leaders03. Increased creative confidence and cross-disciplinary exploration04. Stronger peer relationships through shared international experience

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the ABLOH AIR experience, grounding each student’s creative development in sustained relationships with leaders across fashion, design, music, media, and the visual arts.Rather than short-term advising, the program emphasizes consistency, trust, and long-term guidance − mirroring the networks that support successful creative careers.Each student is paired with an industry mentor who provides individualized support through virtual and in-person meetings. Mentorship extends beyond technical instruction to include portfolio development, career planning, creative direction, professional communication, and confidence-building.

01. Industry MentorsStudents are paired with professionals across fashion, architecture, photography, music, animation, and design.02. Regular TouchpointsMentors connect with students through virtual and in-person meetings throughout the program.03. Career DevelopmentSessions include portfolio reviews, mock interviews, creative feedback, and professional guidance.04. Long-Term RelationshipsMany mentor connections extend beyond the program year, supporting continued growth.

Key Features:01. Artist-led virtual, hybrid, and in-person sessions02. Focus on practical professional skills and creative development03. Open dialogue with dedicated time for participant engagement04. Community-centered spaces for peer learning and idea sharingImpact:01. Expands career imagination and creative confidence02. Builds global peer and mentor networks03. Strengthens collaboration, self-awareness, and leadership skills04. Reinforces authenticity, resilience, and curiosity in creative practice

Second Saturdays are a central convening pillar of the ABLOH AIR program, introduced during the second cohort, Flight 001.Held on the second Saturday of each month, these sessions bring the full cohort together for shared reflection, creative exploration, and community-building. Each gathering blends inspiration with skill development through workshops, open dialogue, and collaborative exercises.Unlike the one-off format of the Creator Series, Second Saturdays provide continuity across the ten-month program. They create a consistent space where students reconnect with peers, test ideas, and build confidence in their creative voice.Together, Creator Series and Second Saturdays form a dual engine of inspiration and practice − ensuring that students are not only exposed to creative leaders, but supported as they develop their own perspectives and ambitions.

01. Cohort Check-InStudents reconnect with each other, share progress, and reflect on their creative work.02. Creative WorkshopIndustry practitioners lead hands-on sessions focused on creative practice and professional skills.03. Collaborative ExercisesStudents test ideas together through critique, discussion, and experimentation.04. Open DialogueThe cohort engages in conversation with creative leaders, exchanging perspectives and insights.

2025 Highlights:01. Creative workshop with Yoon Ahn (AMBUSH / UGG)02. Dialogue with The Vault student leaders (UW Madison)03. Career conversations with Marcus Andrew (Apple TV+) and Chuck Anderson (NOPATTERN Studio)04. Creative exploration at the Art Institute of Chicago05. Photography workshop with Makafui SearcyKey Milestones:01. Students presented original campaign pitch concepts to Yoon Ahn02. MacBook Pro laptops gifted to the cohort by Shannon Abloh and the Virgil Abloh Foundation03. Creative training including Adobe Photoshop and portfolio development workshops04. Parent briefing on international immersion logistics and professional pathways

The Virtual Study Halls with Flight 001 serve as consistent monthly touchpoints designed to anchor the cohort between Second Saturday creator sessions. Held virtually, these gatherings provided space to manage logistics, share program updates, and troubleshoot upcoming opportunities − all while reinforcing a sense of community and momentum.Each Study Hall also featured guest speakers or short creative prompts to keep inspiration flowing, ensuring that the program wasn’t just episodic, but sustained. By blending practical planning with moments of connection and reflection, the Study Halls helped Flight 001 feel supported, seen, and continually engaged throughout the ten-month journey.