Prominent Louis Vuitton designer Virgil Abloh has lost his battle against cancer at the age of 41.
The visionary, who had served the French luxury brand as its artistic director since 2018, had been struggling with cancer privately for a number of years, according to French fashion giant LVMH.
The US designer is also the founder of fashion brand Off White.
LVMH released the following statement:
“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.”
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Abloh gained fame during his time working as Kanye West’s creative director but later came into the spotlight as the first African-American to head Louis Vuitton.
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It has now been revealed that in 2019 he was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma – a rare, aggressive type of cancer.
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
🙏🏾,
P— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 28, 2021
Popstar Justin Timberlake and supermodel Gigi Hadid were among the celebrities who paid tribute to Abloh over the weekend.
Hadid shared a series of images of them together and wrote:
“I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1.”
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Justin Timberlake made the following post:
“What can you say when a force like @virgilabloh is taken too soon?
“You gave the world so much, in so little time. And created with intensity… knowing better than the rest of us that life is short, but anything is possible.”
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Bernard Arnault, the chief officer of LVMH, also made a post saying:
“We are all shocked after this terrible news. 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.
“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 valiantly 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.
“Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered.”
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
The post continued:
“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.
“We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”
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