Virgil Abloh, a well-known clothing designer, died at the age of 41 on Sunday after a bout with cancer.
A post on his Instagram account revealed that Abloh, who was the highest-ranking black executive at Louis Vuitton, had been privately fighting cardiac angiosarcoma, an “aggressive” form of cancer.
“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,” the post said.
Abloh made inroads into the fashion industry in 2012 with the launch of his fashion label Off White. He landed a job as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in 2018.
“We are all shocked after this terrible news,” LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault said regarding Abloh’s death. “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.”
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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
Abloh was born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1980 and worked as an artist, architect, engineer, creative director, and designer. His label Off White was among the finalists for the LVMH Prize in 2015. He was awarded various prizes, including the British Fashion Awards Urban Luxe award and International Designer of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in 2017, according to Louis Vuitton.
Social media was awash with users mourning the loss of Abloh, many of whom thanked him for his work.
You left us way too soon Virgil. Your creativity, your infinite sense of curiosity, your love for design, your impecable work ethic and your enormous generosity shaped a creative universe that challenged old misconceptions… (1/3) pic.twitter.com/56U8sMIWLc
— Nina Garcia (@ninagarcia) November 28, 2021
Very shocking and sad news! RIP Virgil Abloh ??.
— EDIDION (@Edidion2012) November 28, 2021
Rest in Paradise ?? https://t.co/4e3q4W5kdV
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) November 28, 2021
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Abloh is survived by his wife, Shannon, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey, his sister Edwina, and his parents, Nee and Eunice Abloh.
“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,” said the Instagram post announcing his death. “We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”
