Virgil Abloh, the acclaimed artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection and founder and CEO of Off-White, the label he founded in 2012, died of cancer on Sunday, according to a post from his verified Instagram account. He was only 41.
«We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues,» the post read. «For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.»
A trained architect, Abloh, who also worked in Chicago street fashion, entered the world of international fashion with an internship at Fendi in 2009, alongside American rapper Kanye West. The two then began an artistic collaboration that would launch Abloh’s career into founding Off-White. The first African-American to be artistic director at a French luxury fashion house, Abloh was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. Abloh’s design aesthetic which bridged streetwear and luxury clothing was described as transformative by the The New York Times. According to The Wall Street Journal, he reached a level of global fame unusual for a designer.
His death has shocked the world of fashion and many industry leaders pay tribute to the late designer who leaves a big impact on the way we dress behind.
Rest in Peace, Virgil Abloh!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Via Instagram / Louis Vuitton
