It was in June last year, that we were first introduced into the realm of IKEA x Virgil Abloh. Teasers and speculations have been aplenty since its official announcement and ever since the hype is steadily increasing. The “KEEP OFF” rug has already reached the hands of eager consumers – just a taste of what is to come – and more information is slowly released surrounding the anticipated collaboration.

Unlike many of Virgil’s past collaborations which included orange pull tabs, yellow straps and bold co-branding, this latest collaborative effort fills the hole of a millennials “basic needs”. At Paris Fashion Week, creative lead of IKEA, Henrik Most commented on the collection, saying:

“When we designed this collection we looked at what are the basic needs that people have. In that sense, a home for the millennials is more about having a home that strongly reflects their identity. And its the same with furniture, a piece that actually speaks to your soul, not just the functionality, but your soul.”

what is included in the collaborative line?

Images and first looks at the collection have surfaced in dribs and drabs, but it was at IKEA’s Democratic Design Day that we received a closer inspection. Amongst key pieces including the “KEEP OFF” and “WET GRASS” rugs, basic design concepts such as the brown bag or chair were given the Abloh treatment with accents of orange peppered throughout and reimagined for contemporary appeal.

The line of homewares could also include a collaboration with Jim Krantz, as the rug “STILL LOADING” strikingly resembles the creative’s aesthetic.

Credit: Highsnobiety / Daniel Pearson

how pricey are we talking?

According to reports select pieces have already been priced. The table will cost €279, the chairs €7, the chaise lounge €100, the cushion for chaise lounge €10, and additional cushions will either be €10 or €13.

The “WET GRASS” rug will cost €229, the receipt rug will be €59, the distortion mirror will cost €159, Abloh’s take on the Mona Lisa costs €49 and the temporary clock will come to €25. The “STILL LOADING,” “KEEP OFF,” “BLUE,” and “GREY” rugs will retail for between €79 and €229. Smaller pieces include the small brown “SCULPTURE” bag for €10 and the larger one for €13.

It is unknown whether the prices will be directly reflected in Australian Dollars.

do we have a launch date? 

Early on the during the initial hype it was only said to drop during 2019, though IKEA has now confirmed that the collection will drop this November.

Rumours are currently circulating around potential pop ups in May.

“We’re looking at that first phase of adult life, when you start making purchases for your space. Largely people grow up in their parents’ environment,” Abloh said in a statement. “They’ve never had to consider furniture. Then when they’re off on their own and have their own aesthetic, what are their first purchases? I’m interested in thinking about how those purchases are informed.”

Stay tuned for more, but in the meantime the line is “STILL LOADING”.