Virgil Abloh’s untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout social media as members of the fashion world, fans, and many of the renowned designer’s celebrity friends have begun to react to the tragic news. On Sunday (Nov. 28) morning, a statement appeared on the Off-White CEO’s Instagram page announcing the 41-year-old, who famously blended high-fashion with streetwear, had died after battling a rare form of cancer called cardiac angiosarcoma.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” the statement reads. “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.”
Beneath the post, Marc Jacobs commented, “I am so sorry to read this. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May you Rest In Peace and Power dear Virgil.”Bobby Hundreds, co-founder of The Hundreds commented, “Thank you. Thank you so damn much V.”
Louis Vuitton, the French fashion house where Abloh served as the men’s artistic director, released an official statement from chairman Berard Arnault via Twitter. “We are all shocked after this terrible news,” Berard said. “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 sorry, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother or their friend.”
Giorgio Armani tweeted, “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.”
More digital condolences came from actor Idris Elba, who tweeted: “Too soon Virgil. You will be missed from this world man.” And Pharrell, who tweeted “My heart is broken Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius. your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever. Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day ones. you’re with the Master now, shine.”
“Rip Virgil prayers to your family thank you for always supporting the youth always kind we just spoke bro smh,” tweeted Offset. Abloh’s hometown basketball team the Chicago Bulls even chimed in, tweeting: “The Bulls family would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Virgil Abloh, a creative force who inspired so many. He will be greatly missed.”
“God Bless Virgil,” Lil Yachty tweeted. “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,” tweeted Westside Gunn. On Instagram, Drake who once rapped, “I could never have a Virgil in my circle and hold him back ’cause he makes me nervous / I wanna see my brothers flourish to their higher purpose,” wrote: “My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother. thank you for everything.”
Check out more tweets and posts honoring the influential fashion designer below: