Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton's Creative Director, Off-White Founder, and Fashion Phenom Dies at 41

Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton's creative director, founder of the Off-White luxury brand, and fashion phenom, has died from cancer at 41. He and Kanye West interned together at Fendi. The two later collaborated on different projects. Kanye appointed Abloh as the creative director for his agency, Donda, and made him the artistic director of the Jay-Z and Kanye West album, 'Watch the Throne.' Virgil's artistic influence was also incorporated in Kanye West's clothing store, RSVP Gallery in Chicago.

Virgil successfully launched his clothing brands, Pyrex Vision and Off-White. Along with couture designs, he was also known for his influence on Chicago street fashion. Time Magazine took notice of his success and recognized him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. Also, during 2018, Off-White surpassed Gucci as being the most popular luxury label in the world.

Virgil was the first Black designer to become an artistic director for a luxury brand fashion house in France. He was the culmination of edge and high-end fashion.

He is heavily mourned by his peers and fellow creatives. Rest in Peace, Virgil. #🙏🏽

Photo Credit: Virgil Abloh