Virgil Abloh, influential fashion designer, dies at 41

“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.”

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.