Virgil Abloh, the founder of popular brand Off-White, has passed away, according to an announcement made on his Instagram profile. The Louis Vuitton designer died of cancer at the age of 41.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” the post stated. “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.”
The statement further lamented on his condition. Unbeknownst to many, Abloh battled an aggressive form of cancer called cardiac angiosarcoma since he was diagnosed in 2019. Abloh had intentionally chosen to keep his illness private while receiving treatments.
“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.”
Abloh became a popular name in hip hop circles when he started spearheading campaigns with rapper Kanye West for his album covers and fashion lines. News of his creative genius would soon spread and land him the position of men’s artistic director at Louis Vuitton in 2018. Shortly after taking the position, Abloh was diagnosed with cancer. The parent company of Louis Vuitton would purchase a majority stake in Abloh’s successful line Off-White just months before Abloh passed away.
West, 44, who has been vocal about being influential in Abloh’s career and feeling slighted by the Louis Vuitton opportunity afforded Abloh, dedicated his Sunday Service held Nov. 28 to Abloh with his choir singing Adele’s “Easy on Me.” The producer also posted a message on his website.
“In loving memory of Virgil Abloh, the creative director of Donda,” posted West.
Virgil Abloh wasn’t just another stylist or fashion designer. A Chicago native himself, Abloh was a modern-day version of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a young Black man tapped into the realities of Black community and culture, effortlessly converting that awareness into creative expression in his own unique way. For many millennials and Gen-Zers, he sparked the continuation of a renaissance and inspired generations of Black kids to pursue unconventional industries.
Rest in peace, Virgil.
