It’s not an understatement to say that the entire world reeled from the shocking news of Virgil Abloh’s untimely death following a battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare cancer that Abloh suffered from in private.
Abloh’s sudden passing at the age of 41 has left a massive void in more than merely the fashion industry. To describe him as a fashion designer doesn’t do Abloh’s immense legacy justice.
https://youtu.be/I1AqjvdiubA?t=721
Everyone who wore Pyrex Vision, who listened to albums that Abloh art-directed, who witnessed Abloh’s Off-White™ and Louis Vuitton runway shows online or in person, who saw Abloh’s Nike collaborations out on the street, who took style cues from Abloh’s brands or wardrobe, who was an outsider aspiring to succeed within the fashion industry, who sought people of color in positions of influence, who was inspired to express themselves with their clothing, their own sneakers, their own streetwear brand — Abloh touched them all and many more.
rest in peace to virgil abloh. thank you for giving us these iconic album covers pic.twitter.com/3M6DY1jrsb
— (@almightytuc) November 28, 2021
As you can see from the outpouring of grief realized from across the planet, Abloh’s influence can’t be quantified in any way more meaningful than simply saying that the ultra-influential creative undeservingly died far too young.
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RIP Virgil Abloh , you will be missed.
It was an honor to work with you. A true creative genius.— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) November 28, 2021
I love u Bro I wanna say so much but I cant right now, I recently showed u this painting I had Mariella paint of u as 1of the biggest inspirations ever in my life which is now priceless ppl think they know me but they really don’t this was my family right here @virgilabloh ️ pic.twitter.com/RE3PNpp8az
— WESTSIDEGUNN (@WESTSIDEGUNN) November 28, 2021
Thank you @virgilabloh for inspiring many generations to come by being a first. Your work has changed so many lives. We love you. Rest In Peace legendary king. pic.twitter.com/xP5nrHbAqF
— ashy daddy (@Thundercat) November 28, 2021
Rest In Peace, Virgil Abloh.
A Pioneer, A Legend, A Genius and much more.
Thank you for Paving the way. pic.twitter.com/nKpMoWK4Fq
— PLACES+FACES (@placesplusfaces) November 28, 2021
RIP VIRGIL ABLOH
No one will forget the impact you had. God bless you my friend.
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) November 28, 2021
The CFDA mourns the loss of our esteemed member of the board and longtime CFDA designer Virgil Abloh. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/YcF0voSL69
— CFDA (@CFDA) November 28, 2021
"I am heartbroken by the news of @VirgilAbloh's passing. He was such a brilliant designer who has paved the way for many young creatives. My thoughts are with his wife and his two children" said Maria Grazia Chiuri as she pays hommage to Abloh's incredible creative legacy. pic.twitter.com/7NSBxcSAzw
— Dior (@Dior) November 28, 2021
“It is with great sadness that I’ve learned of #VirgilAbloh’s sudden passing. I followed his career with great interest, his new approach to fashion and communication, with a strong sense of inclusivity. My thoughts are with his young family.” Giorgio Armani
— Armani (@armani) November 28, 2021
Today, the city of Chicago mourns the loss of a legend. @virgilabloh was a visionary who shifted our culture, broke barriers and opened doors for Black designers in high-end fashion. pic.twitter.com/m5trrzgjL5
— City of Shikaakwa (@chicago) November 28, 2021
life. is. fucking. short.
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) November 28, 2021
Kanye West’s DONDA Live website offers a simple tribute: “IN LOVING MEMORY OF
VIRGIL ABLOH
THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DONDA”