By Tamlyn Canham
The fashion industry is mourning the death of “visionary” designer Virgil Abloh.
Virgil’s family revealed on Sunday that the 41-year-old died after privately going through a rare, aggressive form of cancer known as cardiac angiosarcoma.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” his family said in a statement.
The designer is survived by his wife Shannon Abloh and his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh.
Virgil has been battling cancer for over two years.
“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,” his family added.
Virgil was an artistic director for Louis Vuitton. He was also the founder of the popular fashion brand, Off-White.
“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.”
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Celebrities pay tribute to Virgil Abloh
Virgil Abloh was well-known in the fashion industry, and Kanye West, who legally goes by Ye, was one of his biggest fans.
The designer was close with many celebrities including Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey. Virgil designed Hailey’s wedding dress.
https://twitter.com/mnygxpd/status/1465041051182411779
Hailey described Virgil as a “once in a generation creative mind”.
“Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion, the way he looked at things inspired me deeply,” Hailey wrote on Instagram.
Justin added in a separate post: “We lost a real one, rest in paradise king.”
Supermodel Kendall Jenner says it was a “privilege” to have known Virgil.
“He was the kindest, most positive, humble, joyful, and full of light person I have ever known. He had the most wonderful way of making you feel so special. His genuine smile would warm your heart. To battle his illness privately perfectly explains the type of man he was, he never wanted anyone to worry about him,” she wrote.
Lenny Kravitz also took to social media to share his condolences.
“#VirgilAbloh. 1980-2021. Rest in Power, King. You made an indelible mark on this world,” he tweeted.
https://twitter.com/LennyKravitz/status/1465043428622880773
Here’s a look at what other stars had to say.
RIP Virgil Abloh. Absolute legend and visionary.
— marshmello (@marshmello) November 28, 2021
Rip Virgil prayers to your family thank you for always supporting the youth always kind we just spoke bro smh pic.twitter.com/e5moTP3sn5
— OFFSET (@OffsetYRN) November 28, 2021
My heart is broken
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— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 28, 2021
Virgil Abloh, forever an icon. pic.twitter.com/FfQF4Uf4r5
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) November 28, 2021
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