Men’s fashion icon Virgil Abloh dies after private battle with cancer

Virgil Abloh, one of fashion’s most prominent icons and Louis Vuitton’s artistic director, passed away following a private battle with cancer on Sunday.

Abloh was 41 years old. His Instagram account shared 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,” the post reads.

“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.”

The post goes on to say Abloh 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.”

In 2018, Abloh was named artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear ready wear line, marking him the first person of African descent to lead the brand’s specific series. He called the position his dream job and “an honour.”

“I find the heritage and creative integrity of the house are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times,” Abloh said in 2018.

Louis Vuitton issued a statement following news of Abloh’s passing.

“LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh, on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years,” the French fashion house said in a statement on Sunday.

“We are all shocked after this terrible news,” said Louis Vuitton’s Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Arnault.

“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.”

Abloh had been constantly in high demand for his designs, creating an original outfit designed for tennis icon Serena Williams to wear throughout the 2018 US Open, a collaboration with Nike.

He founded his first fashion house and second business in 2013 with the high-end streetwear brand Off-White, which has 49 locations worldwide as of 2021. Off-White has had several notable collaborators, including Nike, Levi’s, Jimmy Choo, and IKEA.

Abloh, a close friend and collaborator of rapper Kanye West – now called Ye, was the art director for the album “Watch the Throne” by Jay-Z and West, an achievement that earned him a Grammy nomination.

He leaves his wife and two children behind.

“We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”