Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton and Off-White Designer, Dead at 41 After Privately Battling Rare Cancer – NBC 7 San Diego

By Traci Sitz On Nov 28, 2021

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The fashion world has lost a legend.

The designer Virgil Abloh, the artistic director of the Louis Vuitton men’s collection and the founder of the Off-White label, died at the age of 41 after personally battling “a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma”. it said in a statement on his Instagram on Sunday, November 28th.

“We are devastated to announce the death of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a passionate father, husband, son, brother and friend,” read a message on the designer’s Instagram account. “He leaves behind his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Gray Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh and numerous dear friends and colleagues.”

According to the statement, Virgil “since his diagnosis in 2019 has decided to endure his struggle privately, undergoing numerous challenging treatments while running several major institutions in the fields of fashion, art and culture.”

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, cardiac angiosarcoma is “a rare type of primary malignant (cancerous) tumor that occurs in the heart”.

Despite his health challenges, the entrepreneur concentrated more than ever on his craft.

“With everything, his work ethic, his infinite curiosity and his optimism have never wavered,” the statement said on his Instagram. “Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and his mission to open doors to others and create avenues for greater equality in art and design.”

According to the message, Virgil lived by this motto: “‘All I do is for the 17 year old version of myself’ and firmly believes in the power of art to inspire future generations.”

Following the news of the fashion expert’s death, Louis Vuitton posted a heartfelt statement on social media.

Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, said: “We are all shocked by this terrible news. Virgil was not only a brilliant designer and visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom. The LVMH family joins me in the moment of great sadness and we all think of his loved ones at the death of their husband, father, brother, son and friend. “

New Guards co-founders Davide De Giglio and Andrea Grilli, whose company oversees Off-White and other fashion brands, also shared their grief over Virgil’s death.

“Virgil was a genius, a visionary, but above all he was a family,” said their joint statement on Off-White’s Instagram page. “There are no words to describe the loss his death left in our lives. His legend, love and spirit will stay with us forever. Thank you for changing our lives, Virgil. Rest in power, brother. “

In 2012, Virgil founded Off-White, an Italian luxury fashion label that has become a fan favorite with celebs and influencers. A year later, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) hired him as his creative partner. The two were long-time employees and even did an internship together at Fendi in 2009.

“We are all the children of Kanye’s trailblazers,” said Virgil W in 2017. “This generation would not have the freedom to cross genres if its passion had not been to find more than what was delivered to him.”

In March 2018, Virgil made history as the Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection and became the first African American to head the brand’s menswear, according to The New York Times. He was also one of the few black designers to run a large French fashion house.

“I’m thrilled,” he told the point of sale at the time. “This opportunity to think through what the next chapter of design and luxury will mean in a brand that represents the pinnacle of luxury has always been a goal in my wildest dreams can.”

He added, “I want to use the history of Louis Vuitton with travel to really look at different cultures around the world, to see all of our humanity. When creativity merges with global issues, I believe that you can bring the world together. Levels can really open your eyes. “

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