R.I.P. Virgil Abloh

The music and fashion world is mourning the loss of American fashion designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh.

On Sunday (Nov. 28), the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear and CEO of Italian luxury fashion label, Off-White, passed away after a private battle with cancer. He was 41.

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

For over two years, Virgil 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.”

Virgil founded the Off-White in 2012 and served as Kanye West’s creative director. In 2018, he was named artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection, becoming the first African-American artistic director of the brand. Earlier this year, he released his single “Delicate Limbs” featuring electro-soul musician serpentwithfeet.

Since the tragic news broke, many of his peers paid tribute to their dear friend including Pharrell, Drake, Frank Ocean, Wale, Questlove, and Kanye West. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Virgil’s family and friends.

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