Star Designer Virgil Abloh Dies At 41

Founder of Off-white and artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s Menswear passed away on Sunday afternoon, at the age of 41, after a battle with a rare form of cancer.

The fashion world is in shock and mourning the passing of a legend in the fashion scene, Virgil Abloh, whose official Instagram page confirmed the news of his death, after he had privately fought, for two years, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend”. Reads the post.

With his talents extending far beyond fashion design, Virgil Abloh is an undeniable icon and legend in this world. A true visionary, he made history and created iconic designs out of his passionate soul.

To begin with, Abloh is the first African-American to lead at an industry giant Louis Vuitton, where he brought streetwear aesthetic to luxury fashion.

The star designer was not only a big name in fashion, he was also a DJ and a visual artist with engineering and architecture backgrounds. Indeed, the American-born son of Ghanaian immigrants first earned his degree in Civil engineering and later completed a master’s degree in Architecture, an influence that was clearly seen in his vision of fashion.

His mother, a seamstress, made sure to give Abloh all the basics, which undoubtedly paved the way for his future success in the fashion industry.

Abloh’s first solo-endeavour into the world of fashion came in 2012, with his own company Purex Vision, a modern concept  appealing to youth producing familiar clothes with a new twist. This involved buying up deadstock flannel shirts from high-end fashion label Ralph Lauren, adding Abloh’s own designs and then selling them under his own brand name.

Abloh closed Pyrex Vision and launched the successful Milan-based luxury streetwear label Off-White in 2013. He was well-known for his bold style and iconic “everything in quotes” philosophy at Off-white, making it the hottest brand among the social media generation.

In 2018, Abloh made fashion history when he was appointed as the artistic director of the menswear ready-wear line at Louis Vuitton, being the first black person to hold the prestigious title. And today, the fashion world mourns one of the most powerful and influential Black designers and a polymath artist, who leaves behind an incredible legacy, as is survived by his wife, Shannon, and two children, Lowe and Grey.

Celebs’ reactions

The renowned designer was loved around the world, and he was always surrounded by celebrity friends who admired his vision, but also his optimism and his kindness. Keep scrolling for their reactions to this tragic loss.

Hailey Bieber

“A once in a generation creative mind.”

Photographers Inez and Vindooh

“You changed the world.”

Amina Muaddi

“A man with a mission who gave hope, dreams, and tools to succeed to an entire new generation.” 

Gigi Hadid

“He made everyone seen and special.”

Kendall Jenner 

“His genuine smile would warm your heart.”

Bella Hadid 

“Even when the world felt sad, he brought laughter and color and beauty.”

Kaia Gerber

“You saw people, and through your art you gave them the courage to be themselves.”