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Kanye West dedicates Sunday Service to close friend Virgil Abloh as designer dies aged 41
Kanye West shared a tribute after Virgil Abloh died (Pictures: Getty / Splash)
Kanye West has dedicated his Sunday Service to close friend Virgil Abloh in tribute, following his death.
The Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton designer died earlier today aged 41, after a two-year battle with cancer.
Following the sad news, the Gold Digger rapper – who worked with the late fashion designer throughout his career – was among the stars offering their condolences on social media.
Sharing a link to his Sunday Service page on his Story, a message on the site simply read: ‘In loving memory of Virgil Abloh.
‘The creative director of DONDA.’
The pair formed a close bond when they interned for Fendi together in Italy, with Ye later appointed him as creative director of DONDA.
Kanye dedicated his Sunday Service to Virgil on his Donda Live site (Picture: Kanye West)
Kanye and Virgil shared a close relationship throughout their careers (Picture: Splash)
He also served as the artistic director of the musician’s Watch The Throne tour, with Jay-Z.
Abloh’s death was confirmed by his loved ones, who shared a lengthy statement on his Instagram page.
‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,’ it began.
‘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.’
They concluded the post: ‘We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life. Virgil Abloh. September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021.’
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A spokesperson for LVMH also offered a tribute on social media, with a statement, which read: ‘LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh, on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years.’
Louis Vuitton boss Bernard Arnault added: ‘We are all shocked after this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom.
‘The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother or their friend.’
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