Virgil Abloh — Vuitton designer and style visionary — dies at 41

Virgil Abloh, the fashion designer who served as men’s artistic director of Louis Vuitton and founded the Milan-based label Off-White, died Sunday. He was 41.

The announcement of his death, which was posted to his official Instagram page on Sunday afternoon, stated that for more than two years he had privately "battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma."

"Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design," the statement read. "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."

An artistic polymath, Abloh also worked as a DJ who played festivals and opened for artists such as Travis Scott. He also served as a longtime creative director for rapper Kanye West, who told the New York Times that Abloh was "one of the smartest, fastest, most innovative people I've created with."

In 2018, he was named as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton, and Time Magazine named him as one its 100 most influential people alive.

The Washington Post's Robin Givhan described Abloh as "a designer who has been able to distill pop culture, the zeitgeist, the aura of cool, the glamour of celebrity and a kind of glossy hipster diversity down into motorcycle jackets, T-shirts and sneakers."

"In a way, all of my output has been to make a compelling case for me to take on a role such as this," Abloh told the New York Times of the appointment. "I think of it as kind of the ultimate collaboration."

Tributes to Abloh poured on Twitter following Sunday's announcement. Many referenced actor Chadwick Boseman, who died in August 2020 after also privately battling cancer.

"Rest in Power," actor and rapper Riz Ahmed tweeted. "Gone too soon but your legacy lives on. Stretched culture & the changed the game. Thank you for all you did to support so many & how you pushed us to reimagine what's possible."

"Such a tough loss for someone with years of creativity in front of him. Rest in power, Virgil Abloh," tweeted designer Michael Bierut.

"You taught us all how to dream," tweeted fashion designer Jeff Staple.

According to announcement, Abloh “is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.”