Off-White designer Virgil Abloh dies after cancer battle aged 41

Fashion designer Virgil Abloh has died (Picture: Getty)

Fashion designer Virgil Abloh has died, aged 41.

The Off-White CEO and Louis Vuitton artistic director died after a two-year battle with cancer.

LVMH confirmed the sad news in a statement, paying tribute to the talented designer.

‘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,’ it read.

A message from Bernard Arnault read: ‘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.’

Tributes have poured in for the designer on social media (Credits: PA)

The late fashion icon’s close family shared a lengthy tribute on his Instagram page, honouring his memory.

‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,’ they penned. ‘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.

Virgil has graced many catwalks throughout his incredible career (Picture: WireImage)

He also worked as a successful DJ (Picture: FIlmMagic)

‘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.’

Abloh first sparked his love for fashion when he was attending the Illinois Institute of Technology, while getting his Masters of Architecture, and soon began designing his own T-shirts.

He went on to intern for Fendi in Rome, where he became close with rapper Kanye West – who later appointed him as creative director of his agency, DONDA, and the artistic director of his Watch The Throne tour with Jay-Z.

The designer launched his debut company, Pyrex Vision in 2012, and founded his iconic fashion house Off-White in 2013.

More: Showbiz

His career took another turn in 2018 when he was named as artistic director for Louis Vuitton menswear, sharing his first collection later that year with huge names including Kid Cudi and Playboi Carti hitting the catwalk.

Abloh has collaborated with Ikea, created a special outfit for Serena Williams ahead of the US Open in 2018, and recently designed Hailey Baldwin’s wedding dress for her nuptials to Justin Bieber.

As well as this, he also enjoyed a DJ careered appeared on stages around the world.

Abloh is survived by wife Shannon and children Lowe and Grey, sister Edwina and their parents, Nee and Eunice.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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