DJ and designer Virgil Abloh has died, aged 41.
The DJ and influential fashion designer for Louis Vuitton and Off White passed away today (November 28) after suffering with cancer for several years.
Abloh kept his diagnosis private and did not share any details of his illness publicly.
LVMH, the French holding company that owns luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton, said in a statement: “We are all shocked after this terrible news,” said LVMH boss Bernard Arnault. “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.”
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
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
An official statement on Abloh’s Instagram page read: “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.”
You can read the full post here:
Artists from the music world, as well as figures from fashion and design, have all been paying their tributes to Abloh online.
You can see some of the many tributes here:
So sad to hear about passing of Virgil Abloh an inspiration to so many and of course an inspiration me. Sending my love to his loved ones
— FINNEAS (@finneas) November 28, 2021
Very very sad to hear of Virgil Abloh’s death. Truly an incredible inspiration to so many people, including myself. I always played up the fact he went to college in Madison. He was so so kind, humble but hungry and easy to talk to. What a huge loss.
— blobtower (@blobtower) November 28, 2021
Rest in peace Virgil Abloh. Solid human and big inspiration. Man.
— Alchemist Type Beat (@Alchemist) November 28, 2021
You never know what people are dealing with privately. Rest In Peace, Virgil Abloh.
— omen (@omen) November 28, 2021
This very saddening. A great man, inspirational & a pioneer. This life really makes no sense. May you rest in Peace Virgil Abloh
https://t.co/n4zVo2Pq5u — Michael Dapaah (@MichaelDapaah) November 28, 2021
Abloh debuted his first fashion show for Louis Vuitton in 2018 at Paris Fashion Week and ws joined by a host of musical guests for the occasion, including Kid Cudi, Dev Hynes, Playboi Carti and Steve Lacy.
As Abloh came out for his celebratory walk down the runway following his show, he and Kanye West shared a special moment as West hugged his long-term creative director in an emotional embrace.
Back in January, Abloh released a track with serpentwithfeet called ‘Delicate Limbs’.
It followed his appearance on Lupe Fiasco and Kaelin Ellis’ ‘SHOES’ last year, and his remix of Michael Kiwanuka‘s ‘Solid Ground’.
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
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