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December 10, 2021

Kim Kardashian West thanks Kanye West in People’s Choice Awards fashion icon speech

Kim Kardashian West thanked Kanye West for his role in her journey to becoming a fashion icon during the 2021 People’s Choice Awards Tuesday night.

The show, which hands out countless awards in different categories such as film, television, animation, music and social media, honored the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star by making her the fashion icon of 2021.

Before she took the stage at the award ceremony, Kardashian West was introduced by Tracee Ellis Ross, the previous fashion icon recipient, who narrated a tribute video showcasing some of the entrepreneur’s most unforgettable looks.

Then, Kardashian West walked onto the stage wearing an all-black ensemble, complete with a skin-tight dress, stilettos, tights and matching sunglasses.

Kim Kardashian West on stage accepting her fashion icon award.Christopher Polk/E! Entertainment / NBCUniversal

“Oh my gosh to be receiving this award from a fashion icon herself, Tracee, I am so honored,” the reality television star gushed before continuing her speech.

“I am honestly so humbled to be here,” she shared. “I started off as a closet organizer and a stylist, so the fact that I am winning a fashion icon award — it’s like a pinch-me moment. I have those every single day that designers are willing to work with me.”

Prior to Kardashian West becoming a household name, the entrepreneur got her start as Paris Hilton’s stylist. During her speech, she recalled a time when designers were not willing to collaborate with her. She specifically thanked designer Zac Posen for inviting her to her first Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards years ago.

She joked that some designers started to support her after they were probably “talked into it by getting a call from Kanye (West).”

“Thank you to Kanye, even, for really introducing me to the fashion world,” she added as the crowd cheered.

Kardashian West filed for divorce from West in February. They share four children together: North, 8, Saint, 6, Chicago, 3, and Psalm 2.

Toward the end of her speech, she explained, “I fell in love with fashion and I’m so inspired by so many people. This is like a dream that I get to wake up and wear these amazing clothes and try new things.”

After saying she was humbled by the recognition, Kardashian West encouraged her fans to “take a risk.”

In the introduction package, Ross perfectly summed up Kardashian West’s style by calling it risky, bold and sometimes risqué.

The Skims founder typically makes her most daring fashion statements at the Met Gala each year.

When she attended the event for the first time in 2013, she walked hand-in-hand with her then-boyfriend, West, down the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps wearing a floral Givenchy dress.

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye attend the 2013 Met Gala.
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

To showcase the theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination” at Met Gala in 2018, Kardashian West rocked a skin-hugging, slinky gold gown that featured crosses.

Kim Kardashian West at the “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination Costume Institute Gala” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 7, 2018. Neilson Barnard / Getty Images

To the 2019 Met Gala, the reality star donned a wet look by Thierry Mugler in honor of the theme “Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion.”

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West at the 2019 Met Gala on May 6, 2019 in New York City.James Devaney / GC Images

Most recently, Kardashian West took her unique Met Gala looks a step further by attending the September event wearing a Balenciaga ensemble that completely covered her body in black fabric, from head to toe.

Kim Kardashian West made headlines for this all-black look from Balenciaga at the 2021 Met Gala.Taylor Hill / WireImage

There’s no denying that Kardashian West definitely listens to her own advice and “takes a risk” when it comes to fashion.

Ariana Brockington

Ariana Brockington is a digital reporter for TODAY based in Los Angeles. She is a Northwestern University graduate who reports on entertainment news, pop culture and more.

December 7, 2021

O-Zone: Fashion Guy

JACKSONVILLE – Let’s get to it …

Whoever is deciding to bench J-Rob needs to be fired. I don’t care if it’s the running backs coach, offensive coordinator, head coach … get your best player on the field. No more excuses.

This is the Jaguars’ Big Issue of the Week in the wake of a 37-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Sunday – and unsurprisingly so. Jaguars running back James Robinson on Sunday lost a fumble for a second consecutive game, a play that led to an opponent’s touchdown for a second consecutive game. And for a second consecutive game, Robinson was out of the game for an extended period after the fumble. The disconnect here between fans/observers and coaches is the reason for Robinson’s absence. Many observers and fans are convinced Robinson is at worst being “benched” for the fumbles or at best being misused by the coaching staff. Head Coach Urban Meyer on Sunday reiterated what he said last Sunday – that the reason reserve running back Carlos Hyde has played extensively for Robinson in recent weeks has been the lingering heel/knee issues that have hampered Robinson since a Week 8 loss to Seattle. Robinson, as Meyer noted, has missed or been limited in practice for a month and a half. He was questionable entering this past weekend. He also clearly isn’t 100 percent healthy. Has there been an element of “punishment” after the fumbles in recent weeks? I get why observers and fans believe that to be the case, I guess. But it just doesn’t add up. Why would the coaches intentionally not play the best player? They wouldn’t. As I said in O-Zone Late Night last night, maybe I’m being naïve. But this just doesn’t feel like a benching. If there was no Robinson injury and this was happening, I’d feel differently.

Who’s the third running back in case Hyde fumbles?

Dare Ogunbowale was the Jaguars’ third running back behind running backs James Robinson and Carlos Hyde Sunday.

_George from Blue Ridge, GA _

Time for serious evaluation of team and coaching. Jaguars Owner Shad Khan made a huge mistake picking Urban Meyer as head coach. Please let’s get more professional like the Steelers!

I do not expect the Jaguars to part ways with Meyer during the 2021 regular season or during the ensuing offseason.

I expected four-to-five wins this year and definitely thought this would be a painful season of growth. Even though the win total versus last year has been doubled, the product on the field last year certainly looked more competitive. I’d say so far this year the trend line has gone down. Right or wrong?

The offense has trended down a bit this season compared to last season. The struggles of the receivers and the passing game have hamstrung the offense, and those struggles have gotten more pronounced as injuries have further hurt the area. Robinson being hampered with heel/knee issues has caused the running game to struggle in the last six weeks. The defense has been better than last season for the most part. It has been much better some weeks and just a little better other weeks. So, overall, the trend is about even. That’s not a positive.

Even though we are a bad team right now, shouldn’t the refs protect our quarterback like they do others? Roy barely hits Stafford with his hand and gets a call. Trevor takes a helmet under the chin and … nothing. Do the Jags contact the league about this? Thanks

Yes, the Jaguars will contact the league – and yes, the league is supposed to protect all quarterbacks the same. It appeared the call you referenced on rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence was missed. Jaguars defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris, for his part, was called for roughing Rams quarterback Matt Stafford twice Sunday. One was when he “barely” hit Stafford’s helmet with his hand. It’s true that it was a harmless incident, but the penalty was within the rule. Robertson-Harris was called for roughing early in the game on what appeared a clean hit with his facemask in Stafford’s chest. I don’t know how Robertson-Harris should have played that play differently.

Have the Jaguars firmly established themselves as a get-right game for opposing teams?

BrokeDown from Fernandina Beach, FL

When will the pain end? I was just reminding myself, and my brother, about the “salad days” of Jags receivers …

I expect the Jaguars to focus on wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft and the 2022 free-agency period in a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big way. You have to go back to the 1990s when Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith were the wide receivers to find the salad days, but yeah … those two remain the best the franchise ever has had at the position. It’s not close. It’s not close to close.

Do you think Wright will go down as the worst kickoff kicker ever?

Jaguars kicker Matthew Wright does not have a strong leg for kickoffs. He will not be remembered as the worst kickoff kicker ever.

Brian from Gainesville, FL

Big O, I know you get questions like this from time to time, but given the youth coupled with the dearth of starting level playmakers on this Jaguars team, do you think this is the rare NFL team that could lose to a great college team. By great I’m talking Trevor’s national championship team, or 2019 LSU, 2008 Florida, or last year’s Alabama that had three Heisman candidates on the same offense.

Jason from Green Cove Springs, FL

I watched the Eagles play at 1pm and then my Jags at 4pm. In hindsight the Jags should have kept Minshew. Our current offense could use that kind of accuracy and excitement. I didn’t realize how much I missed Minshew Mania. Do you think it was a mistake trading him away?

The one thing that this team did decently last year was run the ball. The new regime looked at that and flushed it down the toilet. Why? Why with a rookie QB do we not focus on the run?

The new regime focused on running well. The Jaguars were running well and getting marginally better offensively before the bye – largely based on Robinson playing very well. Robinson sustained a heel injury October 31. The offense was averaging 19.33 points in six games before the bye. They’re averaging 10 points in six games since. It’s not a coincidence.

Staring at my framed photo of Mike Mularkey screaming at tight end Marcedes Lewis for spiking a football after a touchdown right now and softly crying.

For old time’s sake, I laughed at this.

Sascha from Cologne, Germany

Hey John, you can see the impact of defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton for the rushing defense, it seems he really is a core piece for the Jags.

Hamilton was a healthy scratch Sunday.

This is the very last team in the NFL that should be trying to run a hurry up/up tempo offense. What happens if you can’t get first downs is you go 3 and out so fast the defense spends inordinate amounts of time on the field. And the opposing defense stays rested and fresh. It’s a real bad recipe if you can’t throw the ball effectively. It’s almost like doubling down on your weakness.

There are a few “cons” when listing pros and cons of up-tempo offenses in the NFL. What you outlined is pretty much the main “con.” I didn’t sense this issue defined Sunday’s game, but it’s something to watch.

Terry from Caseyville, Illinois

Please get a NEW offensive coordinator. They don’t know how to let rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence develop. Time to clean house before opportunity is wasted. Thanks again.

It’s always coaching in the NFL.

You are going to get Minshew is better than Lawrence emails today. What do you think those people fail to understand about how special Trevor will be? How do you think Minshew would fair under the Jags current situation?

It sounds as if former Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew II fared well in a start for the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday. I can’t control people thinking he’s as good or better than Lawrence and I haven’t the foggiest idea what “people” fail to understand about Lawrence or how Minshew would fare in the Jaguars’ situation. What I know is I watched Minshew for about two seasons. He’s a good NFL backup quarterback. I think he can play that role in the NFL for a long time.

Why does our quarterback start winning some games before he does all these ads? He needs a haircut also.

Wow. Frankie Fashion has checked in. Awesome for us.

December 5, 2021

Fashion Fair Cosmetics Receives Makeover, Returns to Stores | Black Voices | Chicago News

Many Black women may be familiar with the cosmetics brand Fashion Fair — founded in 1973 by Eunice Johnson, wife of John Johnson, the Black publishing magnate behind Ebony and Jet magazines.

Though the publishing house is no longer what it used to be, new ownership has given Fashion Fair its own makeover and returned it to store shelves.

“We’re the queen,” said co-owner Desiree Rogers, who bought the company along with fellow former Ebony executive Cheryl Mayberry McKissack. “We started 56 years ago, you know, and we were, if not the first, close to the first. And we’ve always focused on darker skin tones. It wasn’t novel. It wasn’t something that, you know, we thought like, ‘wow, isn’t this hip and cool to do, let’s be politically correct.’ It didn’t exist.”

Founded in 1973, Fashion Fair catered to black women who could afford the department store prices for cosmetics that suited their spectrum of skin tones.

“So for me, it was my first makeup. It was the first makeup my mother allowed me to use and so that is a big deal in any girl’s life because all of us when we’re young, we want to wear something!” Rogers said.

Packaged in iconic pink tubes and compact cases, the brand was seen on hundreds of Ebony Fashion Fair models, as well as fashion show audience members, over the years.

But as Johnson publishing was filing for bankruptcy in 2019, it sold Fashion Fair to former executives Rogers and McKissack.

The business duo, along with another partner, scooped it up with plans of returning it to its former glory.

“So the opportunity to take the historical legacy that Fashion Fair has been known for around the world, certainly all work Mrs. Johnson did bringing Fashion Fair into the marketplace, it’s wonderful,” said Mayberry McKissack. “But yet a little bit scary because, you know, there’s a history and there’s a legacy and you know, we’ve got to make sure that we do it right.”

Chicago-native and celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine returned to help redevelop the product.

Today’s Fashion Fair is vegan and includes natural additives like vitamin C and green tea extract to provide a skin-care benefit.

A range of lipsticks and foundations — in both new and legacy colors — are now presented in white and gold packaging, perched on the shelves of retail beauty giant, Sephora, instead of department store counters.

“Being able to say that you can go to this gondola and find something for your cousin, your sister and your aunt, I think is unique because many of the brands, even in their shade extensions don’t really speak to the nuances of, of coloring that that speak to us so beautifully,” Fine told WTTW News.

But Fashion Fair’s comeback arrives at a time when women of color already have far more choices than in the late 20th century.

Heritage brands have extended their lines to include darker shades, and Rihanna’s all-inclusive Fenty beauty line has sold enough to turn the popstar into a billionaire business mogul.

Research shows that Black women alone spent about $1.3 billion on color cosmetics in 2020 — down from nearly $1.7 billion in 2019, likely because of the pandemic.

Rogers and McKissack say while there’s room for everyone, Fashion Fair is the original — and its new makeover is for those who knew it when, and fresh faces who can get to know it now.

“They’re also gonna see us and I think in a very different way and it really is about us really focusing on women with darker skin tones. That’s our number one focus: we don’t do anything else,” McKissack said.

The pair also co-own Black Opal cosmetics, a mass-market brand designed for Black women, sold in drug stores and Ulta.

December 4, 2021

The 21 Best Vegan Fashion & Beauty Gifts Under $100 to Buy Today

This holiday season, dazzling friends and family with the best makeup and style gifts out there has never been easier. Whether it’s old-school, leather-free kicks that go with practically anything in your closet or a bold lipstick set featuring classic holiday colors, we’ve made this year’s shopping a breeze. Plus, with this curated gift guide all under $100, there’s no need to blow your entire paycheck as you play Santa for your loved ones. Get ahead on your list without breaking the bank with these 21 affordable vegan gift ideas.

Beauty

1 Merit The Essentials Set

“Your skin, but better,” say the clean beauty gurus at Merit. And the proof is in this gorgeous, introductory set featuring universally flattering shades in three essential makeup must-haves: a creamy blush, nourishing lip oil, and lengthening mascara.
$45
Get it here

2 Youth To The People The Youth Minimalist Set

Gift a complete skincare makeover with this three-step set from California-based Youth To The People. Any skincare aficionado will appreciate the cult-favorite cleanser, moisturizing cream, and vitamin C serum. Plus, the set comes in refillable and recyclable packaging so there’s no waste.
$46
Get it here

3 LUSH Snow Fairy Gift Set

Everyone could use some TLC this holiday season, and vegan beauty company LUSH knows just how to help. Back with its famous bubblegum scent, the Snow Fairy collection features a foaming bubble bar, colorful bath bomb, luxurious shower gel, and softening body conditioner. And there’s no wrapping needed as the set comes in a vibrant hatbox.
$39.95
Get it here

4 MISS SWISS Vegan Makeup Brush Set

If there’s one thing most cosmetics enthusiasts consider essential, it’s a brush set. Gift this luxe gold makeup brush set from MISS SWISS with an assortment of 12 synthetic vegan brushes perfect for applying foundation, eyeshadow, and bronzer.
$40
Get it here

5 Maria Nila Holiday Box 2021 Structure Repair

Swedish vegan haircare company Maria Nila is beloved by celebrities and influencers alike for a reason. And thanks to this holiday bundle, you can test it out for yourself. Designed to rebuild and strengthen your hair, this set comes with shampoo, conditioner, and a heat spray.
$60
Get it here

6 Flé Soléy Bottled Sunshine

This mesmerizing bottle is almost too pretty to use. Sister-owned Haitian brand Flé Soléy is helping add luxury into your skincare routine with this rose, rosemary, and aloe vera-infused toner with subtle hints of gold shimmer.
$39
Get it here

7 Pacifica Island Vanilla Bundle

Take a break from the harsh winter blues and escape with vegan beauty pioneer Pacifica’s shower set featuring its best-selling Tahitian vanilla scent.
$58
Get it here

8 Anna Marti Cosmetics Posh Pink Bundle

Beauty industry veteran Anna Marti launched her vegan lipstick line to meet the needs of those looking for cruelty-free, high-quality products to create the perfect pout on the go. This warm pinkish-orange lip set comes with a long-lasting lip liner, velvet-matte lipstick, high-shine gloss, and a travel makeup bag.
$49.95
Get it here

9 Versed Skin De-Stressing Gift Set

Holiday stress can wreak havoc on the skin. Thankfully, vegan drugstore brand Versed knows this trio of relaxing essentials will help. Massage pressure points with its Facial Acupressure Wand, and use the Clarifying Serum and Moisturizing Gel-Cream to calm inflammation.
$20
Get it here

10 Skandinavisk Protect Mini Hand Cream Giftset

After the past two years of constant hand-washing and hand sanitizer-applying, it’s safe to say our hands could use some extra attention. Scandinavian home and body-care brand Skandinavisk brings five mini organic hand creams in an adorable gift set so rich moisture is just a few steps away.
$40
Get it here

11 Evereden Baby On The Way Gift Set

Need a gift for an expecting mother? This bundle from Evereden is perfect for the mom-to-be with its Soothing Belly Mask, Golden Belly Serum, and Nourishing Stretch Mark Cream. Plus, the gift set comes with deluxe minis for newborns featuring a Nourishing Baby Face Cream and Soothing Baby Massage Oil all packaged in a cute leather gift bag.
$98
Get it here

12 The Lip Bar Matte + Merry Holiday Set

Red lips just scream holidays, which is exactly why Black-owned beauty brand The Lip Bar put together five of its best-selling liquid matte lipsticks together to get you through every Christmas party looking festive.
$40
Get it here

Fashion

13 Foundationals Easy-Does-It Tank (3-Pack)

You can never go wrong with an everyday tank. Los Angeles-based sustainability-focused apparel brand Foundationals’ heavy-weight rib-knit cotton tank comes in various colors but this neutral set in black, white, and sand is easy to dress up or down for any occasion.
$98
Get it here

14 Coconuts By Matisse Bambi Western Boot

The popular cowboy boot trend isn’t stopping anytime soon, but it’s hard to find a non-leather version. Luckily, Matisse has created these embossed boots with synthetic leather and man-made outsoles so you can join in on the fun while maintaining your ethics. Pair with a short red dress for the ultimate trendy holiday look.
$100
Get it here

15 Apparis Luna Scarf

Cooler temperatures call for warm accessories, and what better holiday gift than a luxuriously soft faux-fur scarf? Vegan fashion brand Apparis shows you how to get cozy while staying in style with glam colors ranging from bright pink to emerald green.
$85
Get it here

16 NAOT Leisure Slippers

Looking for a useful stocking stuffer? This slipper from footwear company NAOT’s vegan line is incredibly comfy with its mattress foam padding insole and is even podiatrist-approved for support while you lounge around the house.
$59.95
Get it here

17 Pixie Mood Sara Shoulder Bag

Cruelty-free and vegan handbag company Pixie Mood is on a mission to create unique styles that are kind for the animals, the people, and the environment. Its shoulder bag comes in six classic colorways and features a tortoiseshell chain and a versatile detachable crossbody strap.
$78
Get it here

18 Vetta Capsule The Long Sleeve Convertible Tee

Ever heard of a capsule wardrobe? It’s a minimalist approach to keep consumption down while creating a variety of outfits using only a few key clothing pieces. Start with Vetta Capsule’s basics collection featuring a versatile soft tee that goes with basically everything.
$98
Get it here

19 SOKO Mezi Mini Hoop Earrings

Women-led jewelry brand SOKO values fair-trade practices and works with small Kenyan artisans to connect them directly with the global market. These handcrafted gold-plated earrings feature a mini huggie style and are the perfect everyday hoop.
$88
Get it here

20 Poppy Lissiman Card Holder

To avoid unnecessary waste, Australian designer Poppy Lissiman began using the leftover fabric from her vegan leather bags to create matching cardholders. The result is a functional, gorgeous wallet with four card slots adorned with her signature gold logo.
$60
Get it here

21 Reebok Classic Leather Vegan Shoes

Reebok has proven its longevity as it gets a resurgence from Fashionphiles everywhere looking to revive the old-school vibes. For its vegan collection, the iconic shoe brand pulled from its archives to bring back these ‘70s-inspired kicks created with entirely vegan ingredients down to the glues used.
$80
Get it here

For more vegan gift ideas, read:
The VegNews Guide to Vegan Gifts
13 Vegan Advent Calendars for 24 Days of Gifts
15 Dad-Approved Vegan Christmas Gifts for Men Under $50

Aruka Sanchir (@ruukes) is the Beauty & Style Editor at VegNews who is always looking for exciting new vegan products to test out.

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December 3, 2021

Celebs, fashion, 24k chicken wings at Miami Art Basel

MIAMI (AP) — After a pandemic hiatus, the official Art Basel show is back in Miami with all its eccentric glory, a dizzying list of celebrity attendees and dozens of spin-off shows that are already generating a buzz, including a phenom child painter

Ten-year-old contemporary artist Andres Valencia’s gallery has already nearly sold out at Art Miami. The San Diego-based artist simply saw a cubist painting in his living room two years ago and declared, ‘I can do that’.

Actress Sophia Vergara bought one of his pieces this week and Channing Tatum, Jordan Belfort, and artist Shepard Fairey stopped by his booth at the Art Miami fair to check out his work, according to a spokesperson for Chase Contemporary.

Proceeds from Valencia’s works are going to the Perry J. Cohen Foundation, which supports the arts, and environmental and wildlife education and preservation.

Maddox Gallery is also showing at Art Miami, selling Banksy’s Charlie Brown for $4 million dollars on Tuesday. A spokeswoman for the gallery said this is the first year they’ve had a profound collection of Banksy canvases including many original works.

Basel’s annual prestigious December art fair draws collectors, socialites and celebrities from around the world. But fashion has also played a prominent role in recent years with Christian Dior hosting its first ever U.S. show in 2019 as a sort of unofficial kick-off to Miami’s art week.

Louis Vuitton did the same on Tuesday night, with its first ever U.S. fashion show. But the sudden death of its 41-year-old legendary designer Virgil Abloh turned the show into a somber yet whimsical celebration of life attended by Rihanna, Kim Kardashian West and her daughter North, Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, model Bella Hadid, Joe Jonas, Maluma and Pharrell. Kid Cudi and Erykah Badu performed at an after-party. Ivanka Trump and hubby Jared Kushner were also in the crowd.

And Chanel collaborated with artist Es Devlin for a monumental sculptural installation to celebrate its iconic fragrance. The fashion house is taking over Jungle Plaza to create a multi-sensory experience using hundreds of plants and trees. The installation is open to the public, but several big name celebs are expected to attend Friday’s VIP dinner with a top-secret performance.

Gucci is hosting a party Thursday night to celebrate Mickalene Thomas’ Monograph.

Alicia Keys, Lizzo and Cardi B are also among those performing around town this week. The rapper is launching a new line of Vodka infused whipped cream on Saturday. After-party performances at various clubs this weekend include Migos, Meek Mill, Diplo and Marshmello.

While Miami’s art week is a draw for serious collectors, it is also full of the absurd, including diamond and gold chicken wings. Yep, Miami’s DJ Khaled dropped “bling wings” topped with 24-karat gold dust and edible diamonds to promote his restaurant Another Wing.

There’s also an 18 carat gold bagel avocado toast on sale for $2.9 million at Galerie Rother at Art Miami.

Celebrity sightings included Martha Stewart in a gold coat and walking cane at Komodo restaurant and the Denver Nuggets and Venus Williams popped bottles all night at Pharrell and David Grutman’s restaurant Swan.

Hailey Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, Brooklyn Beckham, Nicola Peltz were spotted loading up on cocktails and caviar at Papi Steak and singer Camila Cabello was spotted in the trendy art district of Wynwood on Monday for an unveiling at Wynwood Walls to celebrate 14 new artists with murals and sculptures.

Kelli Kennedy, The Associated Press

December 1, 2021

Virgil Abloh, influential fashion designer, dies at 41

Louis Vuitton artistic director and founder and CEO of fashion house Off-White Virgil Abloh has died. He was 41.

According to a statement posted on his Instagram page, the cause of death for Abloh was a “rare, aggressive form of cancer,” something he privately battled for two years.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” 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 statement praised the designer’s drive, positive attitude, and commitment to inclusion and inspiring others in his professional ending with a quote from the late artist and a request for privacy to mourn his life.

“Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself.”

Virgil Abloh.Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Abloh founded high-end streetwear fashion house Off-White in 2013. In 2018, Louis Vuitton hired him as the artistic director of the menswear ready wear line, making him the brand’s first Black artistic director.

Abloh is survived by his wife, Shannon, their two children, Lowe and Grey, his sister Edwina and parents Nee and Eunice.

The fashion and entertainment community took to social media to pay tribute to Abloh including the LVHM CEO Bernard Arnault, Gucci and musicians Pharrell Williams and Lenny Kravitz.

“We are all shocked by this terrible news,” Arnault said in an official statement on LVMH’s Instagram page. “Virgil was not only a genius designer and 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 on the passing of their husband, father, brother, son and friend.”

Williams tweeted that his “heart is broken.”

“Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever,” Williams added. “Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day ones you’re with the Master now, shine”

In a statement posted on Twitter, Gucci said the designer will be “deeply missed.”