After a two-year battle against cancer, the founder of Off-White and Louis Vuitton artistic directors died.
LVMH released the sad news, and stars rushed to pay respect to the talented designer.
LVMH, Louis Vuitton, and Off White are deeply saddened to announce the death of Virgil Abloh on Sunday, November 28, 2018, from cancer. He had been fighting this disease privately for many years.
In honor of his passing, his close family posted a long tribute to him on his Instagram page.
They wrote, “We are devastated to report the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh,” His loving wife Shannon Abloh, Grey Abloh and Lowe Abloh are his survivors, as well as his sister Edwina Abloh. He is also survived by Eunice and Nee Abloh. There are many dear friends and colleagues.
Virgil has fought a rare and aggressive form of cancer for more than two years. Since his 2019 diagnosis, Virgil chose to live his life in private. He has been through many difficult treatments while also leading several important institutions that encompass fashion, art and culture.
“His work ethic, insatiable curiosity, and optimism remained constant through it all. Virgil’s dedication to his craft and his mission to open doors and promote equality in art, design and engineering was what drove him.
“He believed deeply in the power and potential of art to inspire future generations. “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,”
‘We are grateful for all your support and love, and ask that you respect our privacy while we mourn and celebrate Virgil’s passing. Virgil Abloh. September 30, 1980 – November 28, 20,21.
After the sad announcement, stars paid tribute to Abloh via social media.
‘I am so sorry to read this. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May you Rest In Peace and Power dear Virgil,’ Marc Jacobs commented below the post.
‘A true inspiration in so many ways. Rest in peace @virgilabloh,’ Victoria Beckham shared the photo alongside a picture on her Instagram account.
‘Sending love and light to your beautiful family. We will all miss you so very much x.’
Helena Christensen wrote the following: ‘This is so devastating. Virgil, I will treasure our communication, even only in writing it made me smile every time.
‘You shone so bright the time you were here.’
Abloh discovered his passion for fashion while he was studying at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He also received his Masters of Architecture and soon started designing his own T-shirts.
After completing his internship at Fendi Rome, he was appointed as the creative director of DONDA and artistic director for Jay-Z’s Watch The Throne Tour.
In 2012, he launched Pyrex Vision, his first company. He also founded Off-White, his iconic fashion house, in 2013.
