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Idris Elba pays heartfelt tribute to ‘special human being’ Virgil Abloh at Fashion Awards 2021
Idris described Abloh as a ‘special human being’ (Picture: Getty)
Idris Elba led the tribute to his late friend Virgil Abloh at the Fashion Awards 2021.
Abloh, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director, died at the age of 41 on Sunday following a private battle with a rare form of cancer.
The stars descended on this year’s Fashion Awards in London on Monday night, with Kris Jenner, Naomi Campbell and Priyanka Chopra among the A-listers in attendance.
Luther actor Idris did the honours of acknowledging Abloh’s death and unmatched contribution to the fashion industry, announcing that the awards was dedicated to the designer.
‘I lost a friend, his wife lost a husband, the fashion industry lost a legend, and the world lost a special human being,’ the actor told the audience as a black and white photo of Abloh appeared on the screen behind him.
He went on to describe Abloh as ‘one of the few people I could have a conversation [with] about multitasking. But he didn’t do it for the fame or the money, he did it to inspire others’.
Idris and Virgil, here with Tinie Tempah (l), were friends (Picture: Getty Images)
Idris, 46, then recited Maya Angelou’s poem When Great Trees Fall, and said: ‘Those who know Virgil know he would want us to have a good time. Tonight’s entire show is dedicated to Virgil Abloh’s life.’
British Vogue editor Edward Enninful became emotional as he honoured Abloh’s memory, and said: ‘The shock of his passing is as fresh as it is devastating. As a leader of change, the impact of his work cannot be overstated.’
Pose star Billy Porter also said: ‘Virgil was an inspiration, and it is our responsibility to honor and carry forward every loving moment he brought to this industry.’
News of the Off-White founder’s death was announced in a statement from LVMH on Sunday evening.
Abloh had battled cancer privately for two years (Picture: Getty, Reuters)
‘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.
The late fashion icon’s close family shared a lengthy tribute on his Instagram page, honouring his memory.
They penned: ‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.
More: Idris Elba
‘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.’
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