On late Sunday, the world witnessed another shocking news! Louis Vuitton’s artistic director for men’s collection – Virgil Abloh, died at 41 after battling cancer for many years.
Abloh was the first black American to become a creative designer in the top French fashion and luxury house. It was him who brought sweatshirts, hoodies, and other streetwear to the ramp for the catwalk.
The Louis Vuitton designer was survived by his wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh.
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The late designer’s friends and family took his Instagram handle to share the devastating news. “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 caption read.
They further informed his fans that he was privately battling with a rare and aggressive form of cancer – cardiac angiosarcoma, since his diagnosis in 2019. “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,” the caption further said.
Stating further, it was mentioned that 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.
At last, they thanked his fans and followers as well as asked for privacy to grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.
LVMH chief executive Bernard Arnault said in a statement, “We are all shocked by this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, but 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 further stated.
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Kim Jones, the artistic director of menswear at French fashion house Dior said, “So sad to hear about the passing of dear Virgil, one of the kindest people you could ever meet.”
On the same breadth, rival Italian luxury fashion house Gucci extended its heartfelt condolences and tweeted, “We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Virgil Abloh, an immense inspiration to us all both as a designer and as a person. He will be deeply missed though his vision will live on through the trails that he blazed throughout his career.”
Many celebrities poured wishes:
May his soul Rest In Peace!