29 Nov Virgil Abloh – The Fashion Visionary Who Shifted The Culture – Dies Of Cancer, Kanye West Dedicates Sunday Service To Him, Celebs Pour Out Tributes

 

Tributes are pouring in after it was announced Virgil Abloh – founder and CEO of Off-White & the first Black man to be an artistic director at Louis Vuitton – died after a secret battle with cancer. He was 41. More inside….

 

The fashion world has been rocked after learning one of its genius designers suddenly passed away.

Virgil Abloh – the founder & CEO of Off-White, died Sunday, November 28th of cancer, according to a post from his verified Instagram account. He was 41.

Much like the late Chadwick Boseman, the devoted father, husband, brother, son and friend was secretly battling cancer.

 

”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.”

”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.”

“Virgil Abloh September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021”

The fashion visionary was known for his innovative work at Louis Vuitton (one of the oldest and most powerful luxury groups) as the menswear artistic director.

In March 2018, Virgil became the first Black man to become an artistic director at Louis Vuitton, and the third to lead a French luxury fashion house. It’s not every day a Black man is at the top of a French heritage house. It’s almost unheard of, so the fact that Louis Vuitton shook things up with some melanin magic was music to our ears.

He broke barriers, he shifted the culture and opened doors for young, Black designers in high-end fashion. 

Louis Vuitton is the largest brand in the stable of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. They released a joint statement following the announcement of Virgil’s death:

 

His brand, Off White, also released a statement:

Once news began to spread about his death, the tributes started pouring in.

Joining forces with musicians, Virgil also designed and was the creative director behind several of albums.

Albums Virgil Abloh has either designed or served as Creative Director for. pic.twitter.com/UXpjFdUGZb

— TIDAL (@TIDAL) November 28, 2021

The former Fendi intern was also a longtime collaborator of Kanye West (now known as “Ye”). Recently, he worked as the rapper’s creative director for DONDA. He also designed some Kanye’s most iconic album covers, including My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Yeezus, as well as a cover for A$AP Rocky and others.

 

Not long after Virgil’s death announcement, Ye dedicated his latest Sunday Service to his friend.

 

Easy On Me by @Adele Live at #SundayService pic.twitter.com/20J8dk6af0

— Donda’s Place (@dondasplace) November 28, 2021

 

He had his Sunday Service Choir help pay tribute to his friend. The choir did a rendition of Adele’s new hit “Easy On Me” with a gospel twist.

Special tributes from celebrities, fashion designers, fashion brands, and more have been pouring in. Check out some below:

 

We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Virgil Abloh, an immense inspiration to us all both as a designer and as a person. He will be deeply missed though his vision will live on through the trails that he blazed throughout his career. pic.twitter.com/T8gXyNkJzH

— gucci (@gucci) November 28, 2021

 

 

«So sad to hear about the passing of dear Virgil, one of the kindest people you could meet. My thoughts to Shannon and the rest of his family» Kim Jones

«Rest in peace dear Virgil. I will forever cherish our roman days. My thoughts are with your family» Silvia Venturini Fendi pic.twitter.com/nNXNhgy7CW

— Fendi (@Fendi) November 28, 2021

 

 

The Versace team would like to extend our deepest condolences at the sad news of Virgil Abloh’s passing. A visionary within the world of fashion, his presence will be deeply missed and his legacy with us forever. pic.twitter.com/M3D4k3vVJX

— VERSACE (@Versace) November 28, 2021

 

 

The Prada Group would like to express its deepest condolences to Virgil Abloh’s family and loved ones in this moment of sorrow. pic.twitter.com/pL3wQk4tC2

— PRADA (@Prada) November 29, 2021

 

 

We are heartbroken by the news of Virgil Abloh’s passing. pic.twitter.com/JurKPSItn3

— Nike (@Nike) November 28, 2021

 

 

“I am heartbroken by the news of @VirgilAbloh‘s passing. He was such a brilliant designer who has paved the way for many young creatives. My thoughts are with his wife and his two children” said Maria Grazia Chiuri as she pays hommage to Abloh’s incredible creative legacy. pic.twitter.com/7NSBxcSAzw

— Dior (@Dior) November 28, 2021

 

 

Too soon Virgil. You will be missed from this world man.

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) November 28, 2021

 

 

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

,
P

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 28, 2021

 

 

#VirgilAbloh. 1980-2021. Rest in Power, King. You made an indelible mark on this world. pic.twitter.com/2ocvD2BBZ3

— Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) November 28, 2021

 

 

You just never know what someone is going through…

Just be kind
Rest In Peace, #VirgilAbloh pic.twitter.com/9HoXd15S9e

— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) November 28, 2021

 

May he rest in POWER.

 

Photos: Getty/Instagram

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