Virgil Abloh, artistic director for Louis Vuitton's menswear and the founder of the label, Off-White, has passed way on 28 November. He was 41.
According to a post from his verified Instagram account, it read: “"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.”
“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.”
Abloh was well-known as a designer, but he also played multiple roles – including architect, engineer and artist.
Official Instagram post announcing Virgil Abloh's passing
Born in Illinois in 1980, the Ghanaian-American first obtained a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He then went to Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to study the Master of Architecture programme.
Despite starting in civil engineering, he gradually rose in the fashion industry. In 2009, he interned at Fendi and met Kanye West – popular in both the music and fashion industries.
In 2012, Abloh founded his first brand, Pyrex Vision. A year later, in 2013, Off-White was officially launched, with men’s and women’s collections. At Off-White, he combined ideas of streetwear, luxury, art, music and travel.
In 2018, he became the first Black artistic director for Louis Vuitton, and was named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Takashi Murakami and Virgil Abloh collaborated in Gagosian London's Future History exhibition
Gagosian London's Future History exhibition
Gagosian London's Future History exhibition
Gagosian London's Future History exhibition
Gagosian London's Future History exhibition
In addition to fashion, Abloh was also passionate about art.
He collaborated with Takashi Murakami in their first exhibition, entitled Future History at Gagosian London. Off White’s signature cross-arrows were integrated with Murakami’s smiley flowers and skulls, and Mr. DOB (one of Murakami’s many invented characters).
Even during his cancer period, Abloh's artistic path did not cease. From 2019 to 2021, his solo exhibition, Figures of Speech, was exhibited at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, High Museum of Art Atlanta; and The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston. The exhibition offered a mid-career retrospective of Abloh's multi-disciplinary endeavours in art, fashion, design, architectural engineering and music.
The entrepreneur did not forget to give back to society. He used his brand as a platform to help black communities, war-stricken children and poor students. Earlier in March, he also donated a pair of signature Louis Vuitton LV I (RED) Trainer Prototype. They were auctioned by Sotheby's New York to fund charitable organisations concerned with AIDS.
Louis Vuitton LV I (RED) Trainer Prototype
Figures of Speech solo exhibition
Figures of Speech solo exhibition
Figures of Speech solo exhibition
Figures of Speech solo exhibition
Figures of Speech solo exhibition