Virgil Abloh dies at 41.
Virgil Abloh, the Louis Vuitton and Off-White designer has passed away at the age of 41. The art director had been battling a rare Cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma for some years. Virgil Abloh’s team and family has released a statement on social media.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” the statement reads. “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.”
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He drew a younger audience to Louis Vuitton with menswear designs that blurred the distinctions between high fashion and streetwear, stretched aesthetic limits, and defied gender stereotypes. A dazzling “embroidered bib” he made, for example, became an immediate talking point when Timothée Chalamet wore it to the 2019 Golden Globes. Michael B. Jordan and Chadwick Boseman played other characters.
The tributes are pouring in from celebrities as well as fans. “Rest in peace Virgil Abloh. Solid human and big inspiration. Man,” wrote The Alchemist. “RIP VIRGIL ABLOH. No one will forget the impact you had. God bless you, my friend,” wrote French Footballer Kylian Mbappe. “rest in absolute peace. shocking. thank you Virgil,” shared Kehlani.
R.I.P. Virgil Abloh
Here are just a few of the iconic album covers he has worked on over the last few years
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) November 28, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/9JkyCcBYXm
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) November 28, 2021
You never know what people are dealing with privately. Rest In Peace, Virgil Abloh.
— omen (@omen) November 28, 2021
Our hearts are broken over the monumental loss of the creative genius, visionary, and icon — Virgil Abloh.
Rest in Power, Virgil. pic.twitter.com/0yMyCnVVgH
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) November 28, 2021
RIP VIRGIL ABLOH 🕊
No one will forget the impact you had. God bless you my friend.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) November 28, 2021
Rest in peace Virgil Abloh. Solid human and big inspiration. Man. 🙏🏽
— Alchemist Type Beat (@Alchemist) November 28, 2021
We are so saddened and heartbroken to hear about the passing of Virgil Abloh.
Thank you for being such an inspiration. Rest In Peace 🕊 pic.twitter.com/nQ690pVdOm
— Photos Of Ye (@PhotosOfKanye) November 28, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/CytwZLvSFu
— LVMH (@LVMH) November 28, 2021
Virgil Abloh’s impact on hip hop was massive:
Lil Uzi Vert
Young Thug
Future
Kanye West
Drake
Roddy Ricch
Big Sean
Metro Boomin
Pop Smoke
Offset
Jaden Smith
Lil Tecca
Lil SkiesThey all spoke about Virgil as an influence through their music🙏
— RapTV (@raptvcom) 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
Virgil Abloh 💙🙏🏿
— Wale (@Wale) November 28, 2021
VIRGIL 🤲🏾
— Ty Dolla $ign (@tydollasign) November 28, 2021
virgil changed the way people look at the world
— Cole Bennett (@_ColeBennett_) November 28, 2021
rest in absolute peace. shocking. thank you Virgil 🕊
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) November 28, 2021
RIP Virgil a legend and icon. Life way too short 😞🙏🏾
— Soulja Boy (Big Draco) (@souljaboy) November 28, 2021
Thank you Virgil. 🙏🏾🕊🕊. pic.twitter.com/PR107YGrgS
— OMARION (@Omarion) November 28, 2021
You really never know what people are battling with. RIP Virgil
— REASON TDE (@reasonTDE) November 28, 2021