Virgil Abloh was the artistic director for Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection, and also the founder of Off-White fashion house. He died Sunday. He was 41 years old. Louis Vuitton’s parent company LVMH announced that Abloh died from cancer on Sunday afternoon. Rockford, Illinois native Abloh was the first African American creative director at a French luxury fashion house. He also worked closely with Kanye West.
“We are all shocked after this terrible news,” LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault Statement. “Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. The LVMH family joined 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.”
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,”Abloh’s Family Shared on his Instagram Page. “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.”
According to his family, Abloh was diagnosed two years ago with cardiac angiosarcoma. According to The American Heart Association, cardiac angiosarcoma can be a rare heart tumor. Johns Hopkins Medicine. He had “numerous challenging treatments”While he worked, his family told him. “Through it, all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered,”They added. “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.”
Abloh was born in Rockford and graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Abloh interned at Fendi, Rome in 2009 alongside West. Abloh became the creative director of DONDA and they became creative partners. After establishing Off White and working with major brands and artists, he achieved mainstream success. He was named the 2018 Mr. A new artistic directorLouis Vuitton menswear ready-to-wear line. This past summer LVMH purchased a 60% stakeOff-White
According to reports, Abloh joined Louis Vuitton after a brief feud with West. However, the feud ended when they were seen hugging at the 2018 Paris Louis Vuitton Show. Sources said TMZThe two friends were close friends over the years. West was one of the few who knew Abloh’s illness.
Numerous celebrities who worked or knew Abloh have shared their tributes to him on social media. “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,” Pharrell Williams, musician wrote. “Too soon Virgil. You will be missed from this world man,” Actor Idris Elba was added.
