// Virgil Abloh, the founder of Off-White, and artistic director for Louis Vuitton menswear, has passed away aged 41
// In 2018 Abloh was appointed artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton
Virgil Abloh, founder of elevated streetwear brand Off White and artistic director for Louis Vuitton menswear, has passed away at the age of just 41 having fought a private battle with a rare form of cancer for several years.
Louis Vuitton parent group LVMH issued a statement last night to say it was “devastated” to announce that the designer had passed away today (November 28).
LVMH chairman and chief executive Bernard Arnault said in a statement: “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.
“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.”
In an Instagram post, his family issued the following statement: “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.
“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.
‘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. 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.
‘We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life. Virgil Abloh. September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021.”
Abloh set up his first company Pyrex Vision, taking deadstock clothing from Ralph Lauren and screen printing his designs onto it, making him aforerunner of the elevated streetwear movement, which has come to dominate fashion in recent years.
He went on to create Off White in Milan in 2013, with the support of the New Guards Group (now owned by Farfetch), and gained a cult global following for his designs featuring the distinctive logo.
The brand went on to encompass menswear, womenswear, childrenswear and accessories, along with limited edition collaborations and homewares.
In 2018 he was appointed artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, breaking ground once again as the first person of African descent to lead the brand’s menswear line, as well as one of the few black designers to lead a major French fashion house.
Farfetch founder and chief executive Jose Neves paid tribute last night saying: “Words cannot express how sad we are to lose Virgil. He was a creative genius, a visionary, and a friend and he made a truly enormous impact on culture. We send all of our love to his family, his friends and to everyone whose lives were touched by him. We will miss you and remember you, Virgil.”
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