The industry has faced the loss of design icon Virgil Abloh. He has passed away after a private battle with cancer. Virgil was formerly Kanye West’s Creative Director. The Illinois native was the Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton and creator of iconic contemporary label Off-White. Currently, the fashion world is mourning over the loss of Virgil Abloh at 41-years-old.
Kanye Honors With Sunday Services
The Hollywood rapper Kanye West paid tribute to his longtime friend Virgil Abloh. He dedicated his entire November 28 edition of Sunday Service to the fashion designer just hours after his death was revealed. Indeed, Kanye is mourning the devastated loss of his friend.
The rapper dedicated Sunday Service to his beloved friend and the “creative director of Donda”. Kanye went live with his Sunday Service on November 28. While keeping up his message to Virgil on the DondaLive.com website after Sunday Service was over. “In Loving Memory of Virgil Abloh… The Creative Director of Donda.”
Virgil First Met Kanye in 2007
The famous designer Virgil Abloh first met rapper Kanye West at the steps of Chicago print shop in 2007. While on Custom Kings after Don C had involved the young designer for some work.
“Kanye wasn’t going to put his art form in the hands of the art department at the record label. So he was like, I’am going to hire you, and let’s literally work on this 24–7, laptop in hand, nonstop”. Virgil recalled during an interview to GQback in 2019. “So more than any title, I was just his assistant creatively. I believed that this was going to be another chapter in hip-hop,” he expected.
Indeed, Virgil has worked closely with a number of celebrities over the years. And this includes Kanye West and Hailey Baldwin. The news of his death after a private two-year battle with cancer was announced via his Instagram page.
While the services, Kanye sang songs with little lyrics changed. “I know your love flows like a river, and I could wash myself in it forever,” the chorus sang. “I know there is hope in these waters, but I can’t bring myself to swim when I am drowning in my sin.” The lyrics of the chorus were also changed to, “Go easy on me, Father. M still your child, and I need a chance to feel your love around”.
Last Instagram Post
The Instagram account shared a message along with a smiling picture of Virgil. Indeed he fought the battle with his fans and friends. The message was:
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh. A fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He 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.
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″
