Source: Reuters
Designer and founder of Off-White, Virgil Abloh died Sunday morning. He was 41 years old. His death was announced through his verified Instagram account.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and 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,” the statement read.
“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. 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 was the first Black artistic director of Louis Vuitton, Kanye West’s creative partner and friend, and the founder of the streetwear brand Off-White.
After training as an architect, he started designing clothes in 2012. His first design was a screenprint on Ralph Lauren’s rugby shirt, which set the tone for his future collaborations. He collaborated with everyone, from Nike to Ikea, Perrier and Mercedes-Benz. He was a pioneer in fashion, merging fields like never before.
Abloh is a highly sought-after designer who has had the privilege of working with some of rap music’s most iconic artists and brands. He created album covers for Kanye West and Jay Z’s Watch The Throne joint project, as well as Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He also designed covers for artists like Pop Smoke, Octavian, and Lil Uzi Vert among others. His architectural skills allowed him to perfectly envision what the musicians wanted on their next release.
Virgil’s passing will surely be felt by the world.
