The artist is best known as a longtime West collaborator, now known as Ye, and served as the creative director for rapper Donda’s design agency. He’s also the creative mind behind West’s album cover ideas for “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and “Yeezus.”
The vibrant cover features a series of tributes from musicians, celebrities, TV stars and editors to the visionary designer whose work re-imagines what it means to be. fashion and the way clothing conveys identity in an industry known for its lack of diversity.
American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean shared memories of Abloh on his Instagram story, calling him “a hero” and saying the designer inspired his late brother, Ryan Moore, who died in a car crash last year, to pursue a career in fashion. .
In 2018, Ocean recalled asking Abloh how he could balance his demanding career and still manage to respond to text messages “with enthusiasm, emojis and encouragement and seemingly … with ease”, describing him as an inspirational person who “cares about life and lives to the fullest.”
“My family is as proud of you as you are our family,” he added.
Others in the music industry, including Drake and Justin Timberlake, also offered their condolences.
Drake has posted a series of photos of the couple over the years on Instagram, calling Alboh his “brother”.
“My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you forever. Thank you for everything,” wrote the “Certified Lover Boy” rapper.
Singer Justin Timberlake shared his shock, writing on Instagram: “What can you say when a force like @virgilabloh is attacked so soon? You have given the world so much, in so little time? . And created with intensity… Knowing better than the rest of us that life is too short, but anything is possible. I’m honored to know you.”
Fashion designer Victoria Beckham shared a photo of Virgil on Instagram, saying she will miss him and describing him as: “A true inspiration in so many ways.”
TV star Khloe Kardashian tweeted a row of pigeons and broken heart emojis regarding the news of his death.
Models Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid were also among the stars to offer condolences on social media. Sharing a carousel of her pictures with Abloh, which featured a photo of her on her wedding day wearing a lace dress he designed, Bieber described him as “a once-in-a-lifetime creative mind system”, who transformed the way she looked at street style and fashion.
Hadid, who has worked with Abloh many times, said she was “heartbroken” at the passing of her “dear friend”.
Abloh made history in 2018 when he was appointed the first Black art director to run French luxury brand Louis Vuitton. That same year, he was named to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art presented an exhibition of the work of “genre-bending artists and designers.” ” in 2019.
His death was confirmed by his loved ones, who shared a statement on his Instagram page.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, an intensely devoted father, husband, son, brother and friend. He is survived by his loving wife. loves Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Gray Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and so many dear friends and colleagues,” the post read.
“For more than two years, Virgil has bravely battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, a heart hemangioma. He has chosen to bear his battle privately since being diagnosed in in 2019, underwent many challenging treatments, and led a number of important organizations related to fashion, art, and culture”
