The fashion world is in shock at the death of Louis Vuitton menswear designer, founder of the label Off-White and frequent Kanye West collaborator Virgil Abloh after a two-year battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
For many people, the first news of Abloh’s illness was the statement on his verified Instagram account announcing his death on Sunday.
Virgil Abloh, artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear died on Sunday, aged 41.Credit:AP
“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 said of the 41-year-old.
“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.
A look from Virgil Abloh’s most recent menswear show for Louis Vuitton in June.Credit:Getty
“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.”
Born in Rockford, Illinois in the US in 1980, Abloh found his way into fashion after studying engineering and architecture. His favourite brands growing up, Alien Workshop, Santa Cruz and Nike, signalled the streetwear style he would eventually bring to the peak of Paris high fashion.
Abloh came into the orbit of rapper Kanye West through his T-shirt designs for the Chicago store Custom Kings. The pair worked together as interns at Fendi in 2009, and Abloh eventually became the creative director at Donda, West’s creative agency.
After a false start with the art project/fashion label Pyrex Vision, upcycling deadstock from Ralph Lauren, Abloh launched his label Off-White in 2013, which quickly found fans in Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj.
In 2018 Abloh was appointed artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear, following the departure of Kim Jones to work at Dior Homme. The appointment was a welcome move towards greater diversity in the line-up of designers within the luxury stable of parent company LVMH.
One of the few people not surprised by Abloh’s appointment was the founder of French label A.P.C, Jean Touitou. “I was not surprised at all that he got this job. Virgil is a new version of Karl Lagerfeld: a very talented and strategic director, as well as a very, very good master of propaganda,” he told US GQ.
“It is an honour for me to accept this position. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the house are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times,” Abloh said in a statement following his appointment.
Abloh’s debut show for Louis Vuitton in Paris, June 2018, was a tonal tribute to The Wizard of Oz, earning a standing ovation from front-row guests Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell, and Rita Ora.
A champion of diversity, lauded for relaxing the strictures of luxury fashion and helping further bridge the gap between streetwear and the red carpet, Abloh was recently promoted by LVMH in July to a role launching new products across the conglomerate, making him the most powerful black man in fashion. LVMH also acquired a majority share in Off-White.
“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,” Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of LVMH said in a statement.
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2021-11-28 21:19:19Z
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