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Louis Vuitton and Off-White designer Virgil Abloh dies at 41

Louis Vuitton and Off-White designer Virgil Abloh has tragically died, following a secret battle with a rare form of cancer.

The fashion designer, who was the creative director for the French fashion house menswear line and the founder of the brand Off-White, was battling with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, according to a post on his Instagram page.

Virgil Abloh and Gigi Hadid on the runway
Louis Vuitton and Off-White designer Virgil Abloh has tragically died. Photo: Getty Images

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. 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,” the post read.

“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.”

Virgil Abloh wears a grey suit with a pink background
Virgil was the creative director for the French fashion house menswear line and the founder of the brand Off-White. Photo: Getty Images
Virgil, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid behind the DJ decks
Virgil was battling with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, according to a post on his Instagram page. Photo: Getty Image

“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.”

The family asked for privacy while they "grieve and celebrate" the fashion icon's life.

Virgil with Bella Hadid
Louis Vuitton said they were 'shocked after this terrible news'. Photo: Getty Image

They concluded: “We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”

In a statement on Twitter, Louis Vuitton wrote: "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."

They continued saying they are "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."

Virgil trained as an architect and went on to become a pioneer of game-changing street fashion with Off-White, which he founded in 2012.

He got into fashion when he landed an internship at Fendi in 2009 alongside rap superstar Kanye West, and they continued to collaborate together.

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