Fashion has lost a great man.
Virgil Abloh has sadly passed away on Sunday (November 28). He was 41. The designer, who was the founder of Off-White and artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection, passed away after a private battle with cancer.
The company confirmed the sad news by releasing this statement:
“LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh, on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years.”
Bernard Arnault, Louis Vuitton exec, also released a statement, saying:
“We are all shocked after this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother or their friend.”
An official statement on Virgil’s social media reads:
“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.
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.
Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations. We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”
Louis Vuitton has announced that they will be presenting Virgil’s final menswear collection in Miami on Tuesday (November 30) in a presentation that will “pay tribute to the life and legacy of a creative genius.”
Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton Chariman and CEO, revealed that is was Virgil’s wish for the show to still go on. Michael said in a statement:
“It is with profound sorrow that I learned of the passing of Virgil Abloh. Virgil was not only a friend, great collaborator, creative genius, visionary and disruptor, but also one of the best cultural communicators of our times. He paved the way for future generations. As a devoted supporter of his community through his charities and passions, he was an eternal optimist who believed anything was possible.
In this same spirit, we at Louis Vuitton will proudly continue to celebrate his legacy with a final show in Miami, per his wishes. I am honored to have called him my friend. My deepest thoughts are with his wife, children, parents, family and the entire community that was touched by his greatness.”
Following his passing, celebs took to social media to pay tribute to the talented designer. Read some of the tributes here —-
Gigi Hadid:
“I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1. His kindness and energetic generosity left a lasting impression on every life he touched— he made everyone feel seen and special. He will be deeply missed, cherished, and celebrated by me and all the people and industries that have been lucky enough to work around & know the true supernova behind this man.
I picture him now like our Mickey Mouse .. forever with us, forever adored, forever magical, forever guiding us with that special Virgil FUN; I’m sure that’s how he wanted to be remembered, but still it will never be the same without him in the room.”
You will continue to inspire me every day, V. I feel blessed and honored by every moment. Rest Easy, my friend. You are so loved. You were the difference. As we always said.. ‘See you somewhere, soon™️’.
Sending my deepest condolences, light, and strength to Shannon, their kids, and his whole family. 🤍”
Kim Kardashian:
“God doesn’t make mistakes. I know that but I still can’t help but ask why. Why Virgil?! Why him so soon? it’s simply hard to understand why. I have a hard time understanding why so many pure souls were taken away so early.
Virgil- you were always so gentle, kind and calm. You somehow made time for everyone. We also talked about your superpower of calmness often. You always gave so much of yourself to the world because you wanted it to be doper. This one is hard to process. I can’t even believe I am writing this… We will miss you so much Virgil and love you so much.
Also I would love to send so much love to his wife Shannon. Because you loved and supported Virgil the way that you did, he was able to give so much of himself everyone else. So thank you truly for sharing him with us the way that you did. Virgil’s legacy will live on forever through Shannon, Lowe and Grey. 🕊”
Pharrell Williams:
“My heart is broken. Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius. Your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever. Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day ones. You’re with the Master now, shine.”
Questlove:
“Virgil man. Shit.”
Idris Elba:
“Too soon Virgil. You will be missed from this world man.”
Kehlani:
“Rest in absolute peace. shocking. Thank you Virgil.”
Finneas:
“So sad to hear about passing of Virgil Abloh an inspiration to so many and of course an inspiration to me. Sending my love to his loved ones.”
Riz Ahmed:
“Rest in Power Virgil Abloh… gone too soon but your legacy lives on. Stretched culture & he changed the game. Thank you for all you did to support so many & how you pushed us to reimagine what’s possible.”
Kanye West dedicated his Sunday Service on November 28 to Virgil. The two had been collaborating together since 2002 and worked on many projects. Most recently, Virgil was Donda’s creative director.
Rest In Power, Virgil Abloh.
