Mourning an icon. Virgil Abloh died in Chicago on Sunday, November 28, after a private cancer battle, and Hollywood is paying tribute to the late 41-year-old designer.
Kanye West dedicated his Sunday Service to his friend. The pair’s relationship dates back nearly 20 years, according to the New York Times. Abloh joined the rapper’s creative team, and they both interned at Fendi together for six months in 2009 to learn every aspect of the fashion industry. In 2010, Abloh became the creative director of West’s Donda.
“In loving memory of Virgil Abloh, the creative director of Donda,” West wrote on his website for the Sunday Service live stream, which was broadcast hours after the designer’s death.
Abloh earned a Grammy nomination for directing West and Jay-Z‘s “Watch the Throne” in 2011. He later branched out to launch his own brand, Off-White, and was named artistic director of Louis Vuitton menswear in 2018. West openly shed tears after his friend’s first runway show with Louis Vuitton during Paris Men’s Fashion Week in June 2018.
Despite his worsening illness, the creative was planning to attend the French fashion house’s show in Miami on Tuesday.
The first Black designer to be an artistic director at LV kept his cancer diagnosis quiet. “For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma,” his family shared in a statement via Instagram on Sunday. “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 continued, “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 designer is survived by his wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh as well as sister Edwina Abloh and parents Nee and Eunice Abloh.
While the family mourns, emotional tributes have come pouring out of Hollywood. Virgil’s influence was not limited to the “Jesus Walks” rapper. Scroll down to see the how stars are honoring the Off-White creator:
The University of Wisconsin alum created the model's wedding dress for her 2019 ceremony, where she renewed her vows with husband Justin Bieber. "Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion, the way he looked at things inspired me deeply," the model shared via Instagram on Sunday alongside photos of the designer. "I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to have known him and worked with him, from walking on his runways to having him design my wedding dress and all the other amazing moments in between, I felt he was always rooting for me. He was someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into. A once in a generation creative mind that is so rare and I’ll never forget his impact. We love you Virgil." David Fisher/Shutterstock
"I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1," the model, who walked in several runway shows for the late designer, shared in a lengthy Instagram tribute. "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." PIXELFORMULA/SIPA/Shutterstock
A tribute was shared on the "Halo" singer's official website on Sunday. "It is with great sadness that I send my condolences and love to the Abloh family and his friends. We will forever honor you, Virgil. Thank you for inspiring an entire generation," the message read. Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
"My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother 🕊thank you for everything," the "Hotline Bling" rapper shared via Instagram on Sunday. Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock
"I’m so so saddened and devastated to hear about the passing of our dear friend Virgil Abloh," the matriarch shared via Instagram. "I’m sending all of my love and prayers to his beautiful family. You are an angel @virgilabloh and we love you… 💔🙏💔🙏❤️." Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
"What can you say when a force like @virgilabloh is taken too soon?" the "Suit & Tie" singer shared via Instagram on Sunday alongside a black-and-white shot of his late friend. "You gave the world so much, in so little time. And created with intensity… knowing better than the rest of us that life is short, but anything is possible. I’m honored to have known you. Thank you for sharing your gift with us 🙏🏻." Matt Baron/Shutterstock
from Celebrity News – Us Weekly https://ift.tt/3lhpQQp
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