Designer Virgil Abloh, one of the most talented of his generation, has died after a private battle with cancer. He was 41.
Abloh’s death was announced Sunday by the luxury group LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) and the Off-White label, the brand Abloh founded. Abloh was the men’s wear designer of Louis Vuitton.
Le groupe LVMH, la Maison Louis Vuitton et Off White ont l’immense douleur d’annoncer la disparition de Virgil Abloh, terrassé ce dimanche 28 novembre par un cancer qu’il combattait depuis plusieurs années. pic.twitter.com/MMAFKf8bki
— LVMH (@LVMH) November 28, 2021
“We are all shocked after this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom,” Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of LVMH, said in a statement.
A statement from Abloh’s family on the designer’s Instagram account said for the last two years, Abloh battled cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer in which a tumor occurs in the heart.
“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 statement read.
A major player in the rap scene, Virgil Abloh designed the art direction for Jay-Z and Kanye West’s album Watch the Throne, whose cover earned him a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Cover of the Year in 2011. He was credited on many other works by American artists: Yeezus by Kanye West, Long.Live.ASAP by A$AP Rocky as creative director or Luv Is Rage 2 by Lil Uzi Vert.
He also had some proximities with the French rap scene: he was recently spotted in the studio with Freeze Corleone and other members of 667.
Abloh is survived by his wife Shannon Abloh and his children, Lowe and Grey.
Featured photo : © LVMH
