A file photo of Virgil Abloh. (Image courtesy: AFP)
Highlights
- “You will continue to inspire me every day, V,” wrote Gigi Hadid
- Virgil Abloh died on Sunday at the age of 41
- He was the first black creative director at Louis Vuitton
New Delhi:
Renowned American designer, artist, and architect Virgil Abloh, who also served as the creative director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection, died on Sunday at the age of 41. The much-loved fashion expert was battling “a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma” for two years, an announcement on his official Instagram page said. In addition to being the founder of the fashion line Off-White, Virgil Abloh also holds the distinction of being the first black American to hold the post of creative director of a French luxury fashion house. Condolences have been flowing in from all quarters with Bollywood and Hollywood stars sharing posts in wake of the tragedy.
Sussanne Khan shared a photo of herself dressed up to honour the art and legacy of the designer. Sharing the mirror selfie and tagging Off-White and Louis Vuitton, Sussanne Khan wrote, “Today is in immense love and respect for the maestro of art design and fashion.”
In another post, Sussanne Khan shared a photo of the late designer and wrote, “In the history of art and design if there was a designer who revolutionised the concepts of thinking beyond it is this legend …There will never be another Virgil Abloh.”
Paying tribute to Virgil Abloh’s unparalleled legacy, Sussanne Khan also reposted a video that was shared by the late designer from his runway show for Off-White. Sharing the clip, Sussanne Khan, who is an interior designer wrote, “Non-other… Maestro No 1.”
Translating her grief into words, supermodel Gigi Hadid, who was a close friend of Virgil Abloh, shared a bunch of lovely pictures of the duo, coupled with a heart-wrenching post. In a note, she wrote, “I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1.”
She continued, “You will continue to inspire me every day, V. I feel blessed and honoured by every moment. Rest Easy, my friend. You are so loved. You were the difference. As we always said, “See you somewhere, soon™️,” expressing her condolences to Virgil Abloh’s family.
Take a look at the complete note:
Gigi Hadid’s fellow model Kendall Jenner too shared a tribute on Instagram and wrote, “I can’t believe I’m writing this. If you had the privilege of knowing Virgil, you were one of the lucky ones. He was the kindest, most positive, humble, joyful, and full of light person I have ever known. He had the most wonderful way of making you feel so special. His genuine smile would warm your heart. To battle his illness privately perfectly explains the type of man he was, he never wanted anyone to worry about him.”
Read the complete note here:
Hailey Bieber, whose wedding dress was designed by Virgil Abloh, shared pictures with the designer from her wedding to singer Justin Bieber. She also dedicated a heart-felt message, describing Virgil as “someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into.”
Closer home, Priyanka Chopra shared Instagram Stories to mourn the loss of the designer and said, “Gone too soon.”
Sonam Kapoor too dropped a post on Instagram Stories and said, “This is so sad. I feel for his family. So young and dynamic. Rest in peace.”
Announcing the news of his death, an official statement was released on Virgil Abloh’s Instagram page. “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,” an excerpt from the statement reads. Speaking about the designer’s love for his work, the statement adds, “He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”
Beginning his career in design in 2012, Virgil Abloh has worked for brands such as Nike, Ikea, and Mercedes-Benz, among others. In 2013, he launched his luxury streetwear brand Off-White and was named the head of menswear design at Louis Vuitton in 2018.
Virgil Abloh is survived by his wife, Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, and his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh.
