The influential fashion designer died at the weekend, aged 41, following a private battle with a rare form of cancer, and his close friend honoured him during his weekly choir gathering yesterday.
A message on the Sunday Service website from the 44-year-old rap megastar read: “In loving memory of Virgil Abloh, the creative director of Donda.”
Kanye and Virgil, who was the artistic director at Louis Vuitton and founded the streetwear label Off-White, became acquainted when they both landed internships at Fendi in 2009.
And they continued to collaborate together, with Virgil serving as creative director for Kanye’s “Donda” LP.
Other times the pair worked together included on the “Stronger” hitmaker’s “Watch The Throne” tour with Jay-Z in 2011 and 2012, for which Virgil worked as artistic director.
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Virgil “valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer”, cardiac angiosarcoma.
He was diagnosed in 2019, and, heroically, continued working in fashion while going through “numerous challenging treatments”.
He leaves behind his wife Shannon Abloh and their two children, Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh.
A statement on Virgil’s Instagram page read: “We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.
“He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.
“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.”
The family asked for privacy while they “grieve and celebrate” the fashion icon’s life.
They concluded: “We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”
The designer famously made history when he took over from Kim Jones at Louis Vuitton in 2018, as the first African-American to helm a luxury French fashion house.
Virgil trained as an architect and went on to become a pioneer of game-changing street fashion with Off-White, which he founded in 2012, while he often astounded with his collections for Louis Vuitton.
Main Image: Complex
