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Virgil Abloh: Celebs mourn visionary designer's death at 41 after private cancer battle
Tributes have been pouring in for Virgil Abloh, the visionary fashion designer who founded Off-White and was the men's artistic director of Louis Vuitton.
Abloh died aged 41 after being diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer in 2019.
His passing was announced via Instagram on Sunday (November 28).
"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 message began.
"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."
The tribute continued:
"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."
Throughout his illustrious career, Abloh was committed to uplifting marginalized communities and championing diversity in an infamously closed-off industry. In 2017, he designed the uniform for a soccer team in Paris, who had newly immigrated to the city. While their status prevented them from playing in official games, he later invited them to an Off-White runway show.
Abloh was also the first Black designer at the house of Vuitton, and arguably the most visible and prolific black designer in fashion.
His commitment to pushing boundaries and his wider contributions to the art world has led to an outpouring of grief from those within the industry and beyond — from his frequent collaborator, Kanye West, to pop star Justin Timberlake.
West dedicated his latest Sunday Service to the designer, shortly after his death was announced. His choir played an emotional rendition of Easy on Me, while a message read: "IN LOVING MEMORY OF VIRGIL ABLOH, THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DONDA."
"What can you say when a force like @virgilabloh is taken too soon?" Timberlake wrote on Instagram. "You gave the world so much, in so little time. And created with intensity… knowing better than the rest of us that life is short, but anything is possible. I’m honored to have known you. Thank you for sharing your gift with us."
Rapper, Drake, also took to Instagram to honour Abloh, writing: "My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother thank you for everything."
Hailey Bieber reminisced about working with the 41-year-old when he designed her wedding dress back in 2018.
"Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion, the way he looked at things inspired me deeply," she wrote. "I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to have known him and worked with him, from walking on his runways to having him design my wedding dress and all the other amazing moments in between, I felt he was always rooting for me.
"He was someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into. A once in a generation creative mind that is so rare and I’ll never forget his impact. We love you Virgil."
"My heart is broken," Pharrell wrote on Instagram. "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."
The creative director of Balmain, Oliver Rousteing, said that he "can't believe it" on Instagram.
"I can’t believe it, I am in shock. I knew you for twelve years even before me being creative director at Balmain. You always brought so much love, lights and talent to this world. You are definitely part of legends of our generation. You will stay forever in our heart and in the history of Fashion for your talent, your vision and your kindness. R.I.P genius [sic]."
Supermodel, Gigi Hadid, shared a string of photos of them together, writing: "I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1 … You will continue to inspire me every day, V. I feel blessed and honoured by every moment."