Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton's first-ever Black artistic director and Off-White founder, has passed away at the age of 41.
In an Instagram post made on 28 November, it was revealed that the renowned designer has been battling a rare form of cancer called cardiac angiosarcoma that causes heart tumours. Abloh, who was at the forefront of modern luxury fashion, had been dealing with his illness privately since 2019.
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Beyond fashion, Abloh has made significant contributions to the music scene. In addition to being a respected DJ, he also served as Kanye West's longtime creative director, having designed covers for 2013's Yeezus, 2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and more.
Abloh also designed album covers for Kid Cudi, Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Rocky, Pop Smoke, and more. Most recently, the designer also worked with BTS, who walked for Louis Vuitton's Men's Fall-Winter 2021 fashion show.
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/9JkyCcBYXm
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) November 28, 2021
Following the sudden news, several musicians and creative took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary designer and to commemorate his contributions to the creative world. Kanye West also dedicated his most recent Sunday Service to Abloh.
DRAKE
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BTS
RIP Virgil Abloh , you will be missed.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) November 28, 2021
It was an honor to work with you. A true creative genius.
PHARRELL
My heart is broken
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 28, 2021
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
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
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BUSTA RHYMES
Thank you for inspiring us all Great Mind. Thank you for such an amazing and significant contribution to Culture and all walks of life. Sending everything Divine and Universal peaceful energy to your family loved ones. Rest well King @virgilabloh 👑👑👑🤲🏿🤲🏿🤲🏿 pic.twitter.com/o3iixXkxuv
— Busta Rhymes (@BustaRhymes) November 28, 2021
FINNEAS
So sad to hear about passing of Virgil Abloh an inspiration to so many and of course an inspiration me. Sending my love to his loved ones
— FINNEAS (@finneas) November 28, 2021
J BALVIN
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Westside Gunn
I love u Bro 🌹 I wanna say so much but I cant right now, I recently showed u this painting I had Mariella paint of u as 1of the biggest inspirations ever in my life which is now priceless ppl think they know me but they really don’t this was my family right here @virgilabloh ❤️ pic.twitter.com/RE3PNpp8az
— WESTSIDEGUNN (@WESTSIDEGUNN) November 28, 2021
The Blessed Madonna
I was always the kid that got bullied for wearing the wrong shoes. It shouldn’t stick with me but it does all these years later. Virgil went out of his way to send me special shoes and they felt extra magical. Kind of like armour. He was nice to me. I’ll always treasure that. RIP pic.twitter.com/LAZNGncobv
— TBM (@Blessed_Madonna) November 28, 2021
Riz Ahmed
Rest in Power @virgilabloh … gone too soon but your legacy lives on. Stretched culture & the changed the game. Thank you for all you did to support so many & how you pushed us to reimagine what’s possible 🤍
— Riz Ahmed (@rizwanahmed) November 28, 2021
Thundercat
Thank you @virgilabloh for inspiring many generations to come by being a first. Your work has changed so many lives. We love you. Rest In Peace legendary king. pic.twitter.com/xP5nrHbAqF
— ashy daddy (@Thundercat) November 28, 2021
Warren Hue
REST IN PEACE VIRGIL ABLOH WTF I looked up to you a lot growing up, thank you for everything. 🕊
— warren❤️🔥 (@warrenhue) November 28, 2021
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