Virgil Abloh dies of cancer at 41

Virgil Abloh, founder of luxury streetwear brand Off-White and artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton, has died of cancer at the age of 41.

One of the most influential designers of his generation, he had privately battled the disease for several years, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton said in a statement on Sunday. The designer died in a hospital in Houston on Sunday, sources close to him said.

 

“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 ”, declared Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, in the press release.

 

 

 

 

“For more than two years, Virgil valiantly fought a rare and aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He has chosen to wage his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing many difficult treatments, while leading several important institutions that span fashion, art and culture.

“Through it all, his work ethic, endless curiosity and optimism have never wavered. Virgil was motivated by his dedication to his craft and his mission to open doors for others and to create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He would often say, "Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself," deeply believing in the power of art to inspire future generations, "the statement read.

 

Abloh's shocking death comes two days before he is due to put on a show in Miami featuring his Vuitton spring 2022 menswear collection alongside 10 new looks created for the occasion. He posted a teaser of the show on his Instagram account just four days ago with the comment: “Miami, I have an idea…”

 

Vuitton officials have confirmed that the event will take place on Tuesday. The show will coincide with the official opening in the Miami Design District of Vuitton's first independent boutique dedicated to Abloh's men's collection.

 

“Virgil was not only a friend, a great collaborator, a creative genius, a visionary and a disruptor, but also one of the best cultural communicators of our time. He paved the way for future generations, ”said Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton.

“As a dedicated supporter of his community through his charities and passions, he was an eternal optimist who believed anything was possible. In this same spirit, at Louis Vuitton, we will proudly continue to celebrate his legacy with one last show in Miami, according to his wishes. I am honored to have called him my friend. My deepest thoughts go out to his wife, his children, his parents, his family and the whole community that has been touched by his greatness, ”he added.

 

Davide De Giglio, Chairman and CEO of Off-White's parent company, New Guards Group, and Andrea Grilli, CEO of Off-White, said in a joint statement: “Virgil was a genius, a visionary but above all he was part of the family. There are no words to describe the loss his passing left in our lives. His legend, his love and his spirit will stay with us forever. Thank you for changing our lives, Virgil. Rest in power, my brother.