Virgil Abloh, the founder of Off-White™ and men’s artistic director of Louis Vuitton, died of cancer on Sunday, according to a statement released on Instagram. He was 41.
“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma,” reads the statement published on the late designer’s Instagram account. “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.”
LVMH chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault said in a statement that Abloh was “not only a genius designer, a visionary,” but also “a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom.” He mourned, “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.”
An industry pioneer known for bridging the gap between streetwear and the luxury sector, Abloh left behind a legacy of boundary-pushing works and inspiring achievements. In addition to cofounding Chicago concept store RSVP Gallery in 2009, and starting his label Off-White™ in 2012, Abloh was appointed artistic director for Louis Vuitton’s men’s division in 2018. Notably, he was the first Black designer to helm the French heritage fashion house.
Abloh was survived by his wife Shannon Abloh; his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh; his sister Edwina Abloh and his parents. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
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