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People across the entertainment, fashion and music industries are mourning the loss of Virgil Abloh, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton and founder of Off-White, who has passed away at the age of 41.
His family shared the sad news on Instagram, revealing he had been battling "a rare, aggressive form of cancer" called cardiac angiosarcoma.
Messages of love have been pouring in for him from his friends and colleagues, many of whom are remembering his kindness and determination to lift up those around him:
AdvertisementBritish Vogue's Editor-In-Chief, Edward Enninful described Virgil as a man who "changed the fashion industry" for the better.
"He always worked for a greater cause than his own illustrious career: to open the door to art and fashion for future generations, so that they - unlike himself - would grow up in a creative world with people to mirror themselves in. Virgil believed that anything was possible for humankind, if only we could tear ourselves away from unconscious biases and norms and reassume the imagination we had as children. His achievements won’t just live on. They will continue to evolve, because we are only seeing the beginning of his impact on the creative industries and surrounding world."
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Musician Pharrell Williams says he feels heartbroken over the news of Virgil's death.
"Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius. Your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever."
Lenny Kravitz said Virgil "made an indelible mark on this world."
Model Hailey Bieber who has walked many of his runways and had her wedding dress designed by him, says she feels grateful to have known and worked with such an icon:
"He was someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into," she writes.
"A once in a generation creative mind that is so rare and I'll never forget his impact. We love you Virgil."
Model Gigi Hadid who also worked with him says "his kindness and energetic generosity left a lasting impression on every life he touched - he made everyone feel seen and special. He will be deeply missed, cherished and celebrated by me and all the people and industries that have been lucky enough to work around & know the true supernova behind this man."
Musician and entrepreneur Jaden Smith posted, "We Lost A Genius Today. Rest In Power," while actress Tracee Ellis Ross described his death as a "devastating loss to culture and fashion."
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Fellow actress and activist Yara Shahidi described Virgil as "a disruptor and innovator in the truest sense."
She adds, "you showed us the potential of art that centers Collaboration & Community. Grateful to have been in your orbit."
Designer Victoria Beckham called Virgil a "true inspiration in so many ways," while singer Justin Timberlake shared that he "gave the world so much, in so little time."
According to a family statement shared to his Instagram page, Virgil is survived by his wife Shannon, children Lowe and Grey, sister Edwina and parents Nee and Eunice:
