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Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Rihanna and Drake among mourners at Virgil Abloh’s memorial service
Kim and Kanye were close friends with Virgil (Picture: Getty Images)
Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Rihanna were among the stars paying their respects at Virgil Abloh’s memorial service.
Abloh, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director and Off-White founder, died on November 28 at the age of 41 following a private battle with a rare form of cancer.
The designer was honoured with a private memorial service on Monday in his hometown of Chicago.
Fittingly held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Abloh’s life and career was celebrated by his A-list friends and family members.
Lauryn Hill delivered an emotional performance while Abloh’s wife Shannon Abloh and musician Tyler, the Creator are said to have become tearful during their eulogies.
A large number of guests gathered on-stage as Abloh’s sister also gave a heartfelt eulogy for her late sibling, with Kanye seen placing a supportive hand on her shoulder at the podium in footage shared online by another mourner.
Abloh died following a private battle with cancer (Picture: Starmax/PA Images)
Rihanna, here in Barbados, was among the stars to pay their respects (Picture: Reuters)
Drake, pictured here in 2019, was spotted on-stage during Abloh’s sister’s eulogy (Picture: WireImage)
At one point, Rihanna seemed to be particularly touched by the service and was seen resting her head on boyfriend A$AP Rocky’s shoulder.
It comes after Abloh’s final presentation for Louis Vuitton took place and paid tribute to him and the impact he made on the fashion industry. The Spring-Summer 2022 collection acknowledged his creativity and individuality with a whole host of captivating pieces made their way down the runway.
LV bosses named the show ‘Virgil was here’ in his memory, which they wrote on screen as the event was live streamed for fans across the world.
Abloh was well-connected in the showbiz industry and received an outpouring of tributes when news of his sudden death broke.
A statement shared on his Instagram page announcing the devastating news said: ‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.
Abloh was 41 (Picture: Getty/Reuters)
‘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.’
The family continued: ‘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.
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‘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.
‘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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