When Virgil Abloh died at the height of his career, accolades poured in from rival design firms throughout the globe.
An influential American fashion designer, Virgil Abloh, who was the creative director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear line for more than three years, has died at the age of 41.
Abloh, the first black American creative director of a high-end French fashion brand, introduced streetwear like hoodies and sneakers on the catwalks of the fashion house.
There were tributes from rival design companies as well as celebrities and sports stars for a man recognized as a very humanitarian visionary who died suddenly at the height of their careers.
“This tragic news has startled us all. Bernard Arnault, chief executive officer of LVMH, described Virgil as “a guy with a wonderful spirit and profound insight,” in addition to his talents as a designer and visionary.
After losing their spouse, father, brother, or friend, “the LVMH family joins me in this time of tremendous sadness,” said he in a message posted on LVMH’s Twitter account.
“Battled secretly” for many years, according to his supporters.
This year, Louis Vuitton named Abloh as the creative director of its menswear line. His parents were Ghanaian immigrants who had settled in the United States.
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Prior to that, LVMH said it was acquiring the majority of Virgil Abloh’s premium streetwear firm Off-White. After LVMH purchased a 60 percent investment in Off-White, Abloh kept a 40 percent interest.
In his work with Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh has tackled environmental and societal themes, including anti-racist and anti-homophobia slogans during his Paris show in January.
His collaboration with LVMH would be used “to create possibilities for diverse people and encourage more diversity and inclusion in the sectors we serve,” he stated earlier this year.
A statement from Kim Jones, the Dior design house’s creative director of menswear, stated, “So sorry to hear about beloved Virgil, one of the loveliest individuals you could ever meet. He will be sorely missed.”
As a designer and a person, Gucci’s rival Abloh is an “immense inspiration to us all,” the Italian luxury fashion label said.
“His vision will live on via the roads he carved throughout his career,” Gucci tweeted. The impact will never be forgotten. Within a few years, Abloh has established himself as one of the world’s most sought-after fashion designers.
Nike shoes and sweatshirts, as well as a readily identifiable emblem of black and white bands, were his trademarks. Nike, Jimmy Choo, and Moncler are just a few of the brands he has worked with.
In 2012, Virgil Abloh launched his first clothing line, Pyrex Vision. Later, the premium streetwear brand Off-White was formed, which gained a following via its eye-catching logo before morphing into more “couture” products.
Fashion designer Abloh was one of just a few high-profile names in the business who gained a cult following outside of the industry. Celebrities from all around the globe sent their condolences shortly after the news of his death broke.
In memory of VIRGIL ABLOH, we say goodbye.” Everyone will never forget what you accomplished. Kylian Mbappe, a French football sensation, tweeted, “God bless you, dear buddy.” He remarked in his Instagram post: Virgil you were an amazing creative genius and your work as a person and spiritual being will live on forever. Virgil you were kind, kind, considerate, and a creative genius.
