Internationally renowned fashion designer Virgil Abloh passed away on Sunday, according to a statement released on his Instagram page.
Virgil Abloh dies: What’s the cause of death?
News of the men’s fashion head at Louis Vuitton sent shockwaves across social media. In a statement, the Abloh family explained that the 41-year-old succumbed to a two-year long battle with “a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma.”
“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 read.
Incredibly, the designer’s ailment did not deter him from creating and developing his footprint in high-end fashion, going as far as reimagining the classic Mercedes Benz G-Class racer earlier this year.
“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. 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,” the family added.
Abloh is survived by his wife Shannon, his children Lowe and Grey, his sister Edwina and parents Nee and Eunice.
Here is how social media reacted to the news of the designer’s death:
LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh, on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years. pic.twitter.com/CytwZLvSFu
— LVMH (@LVMH) November 28, 2021
RIP Virgil Abloh 🙏🏾
— NUFF (@nuffsaidny) November 28, 2021
The first African American to ever be an artistic director for Louis Vuitton in the brand’s entire 167 years of existence.
Just a year after Chadwick, Virgil Abloh, another influential Black force, has been taken from us due to a private cancer battle. The resiliency these men must have had to deal with such difficult situations in complete silence, working all the way to the very end. Devastating.
— Anyway, Britney (@yosoymichael) November 28, 2021
Our hearts are broken over the monumental loss of the creative genius, visionary, and icon — Virgil Abloh.
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) November 28, 2021
Rest in Power, Virgil. pic.twitter.com/0yMyCnVVgH
Thank you for everything @virgilabloh 🕊 pic.twitter.com/cNPomYHA9J
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) November 28, 2021