Two years ago, the fashion icon and creative head of Louis Vuitton was diagnosed with an aggressive form cancer.
It has been reported that fashion designer Virgil Abloh, who was suffering from cancer, has died.
The 41-year-old, who was the creative director for Louis Vuitton and Off-White, had cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare, aggressive form of the disease, according to an announcement on his official Instagram page.
It said, “We are devastated that we have to announce the death of our beloved Virgil Abloh.” He chose to live with his illness privately after being diagnosed in 2019.
“His work ethic, insatiable curiosity, and optimism remained constant through it all. Virgil’s dedication to his craft and his mission to create opportunities for others in art and design was what drove him. He said often, “Everything I do for the 17-year old version of me,” believing in the power and potential of art to inspire future generations.
Abloh redefined fashion designer by adding DJ, artist, and furniture designer to his creative repertoire. He began designing clothes in 2012 after completing his training as an architect. His first design, which was a screenprint on a Ralph Lauren rugby shirt set the stage for his future work. It was a postmodern art stunt cum fashion piece. He collaborated with everyone, from Nike to Perrier, Mercedes-Benz and even Ikea. Fashion purists weren’t amused. He told the Observer in 2019 that he was not amused by fashion purists. He was Vuitton’s first black designer and was also the most prominent black fashion designer.
Abloh was also a prominent figure in rap. He designed the album covers for Jay-Z and Kanye West’s joint album Watch the Throne as well as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and other covers for West, Westside Gunn and Octavian. Before becoming a fashion designer, he worked closely with West. The rapper said about Abloh in an interview that he had all the ideas, and that Virgil can architect them because he’s an architect.
Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Justin Timberlake were among the stars paying tribute to the “once-in-a-generation creative mind”.
Supermodel Hadid shared a series of photos with them and wrote: “I am heartbroken at the loss of my dear friend and a friend of the world, Virgil Abloh. He was one of a kind…. You will continue instilling me every day, V. Every moment is a blessing and an honor.”
Timberlake wrote, “What can I say when a force such as Virgil Abloh has been taken too quickly? You gave the world so many things in so little time. And created with intensity…knowing better than most that life is short but that anything is possible. It was an honor to be able to call you my friend. We are grateful for your generosity.”
Bieber shared photos with Abloh of her in the wedding gown he designed for her. “He was someone who brought life, joy, love, and charisma to every place he entered. He was a rare creative genius and I will never forget his influence. We love you, Virgil.”
Edward Enninful, British Vogue editor, called Abloh “a giant of men”. He wrote: “Virgil Abloh transformed the fashion industry. He was a prolific figure, and he worked tirelessly for something greater than his own career. He wanted to open the doors to fashion and art for future generations so that, unlike him, they could grow up in a world where they can mirror their own.”
Bernard Arnault (CEO of LVMH), owner of Off-White as well as Louis Vuitton was quoted in a .statement, “Virgil wasn’t only a genius designer – he also was a visionary – he had a beautiful soul and a great deal of wisdom.”
The dseiger is survived by his wife Shannon, and his two children Lowe and Grey.
