Virgil Abloh – the revolutionary designer of Louis Vuitton who elevated fashion from streets to catwalks, breathed his last at the age of 41.
His death was confirmed by his family. The family stated that Virgil Abloh had been fighting with cardiac angiosarcoma, rare cancer for the past two years, and lost the battle this Sunday.
Abloh was considered to be an enthusiastic as well as an artistic director who mixed the contemporary fashion of streets with the avenues of Paris while taking the traditional luxury clothing for men to newer heights.
Mr. Abloh was the artistic director at Louis Vuitton for men’s wear. He had also founded his own brand of clothing labeled as Off-white.
He had been a prolific designer from the very beginning of his career and had successfully collaborated with other brands such as Nike and Evian.
The black designer was respected by the fashion industry as he was considered as one of the first fashion designers who transformed consumer wear with luxury. It is said that it was Virgil Abloh who reconstructed the meaning of “fashion.”
Abloh once stated that “everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself. I believe deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”
Moet Hennessey, the chairman of LVMH stated in an official statement that “Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom.”
He further stated “A workaholic who maintained a punishing schedule and moonlighted as a DJ and a furniture designer, Mr. Abloh nevertheless seemed to glory in having his fingers in as many pies as possible. Indeed, he referred to himself not as a designer but as a “maker,” in acknowledgment of his own omnivorous creative mind.”
Mr. Abloh was recently promoted to a new position in LVMH which made him lead 75 brands of the world-renowned brand. This new designation made him “the most powerful black executive in the most powerful luxury group in the world.”
Virgil Abloh was born in Rockford III on 30th September to Ghanaian parents. He grew up in a black neighborhood that was highly influenced by hip-hop culture.
Virgin Abloh is survived by his two children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh and wife Shannon Abloh.
