Virgil Abloh, a fashion visionary known for his groundbreaking work as artistic director of menswear at Louis Vuitton and at Off-White, the fashion house he founded in 2012, has passed away at age 41. In a joint statement, Louis Vuitton, LVMH, and Off-White said they are "devastated to announce that Virgil Abloh passed away on Sunday, November 28 from cancer, which he had been battling personally for several years."

Tributes soon began pouring in for Virgil Abloh, a multi-hyphenate designer, entrepreneur, and DJ who was considered one of the most influential figures in the fashion world. A statement posted on his Instagram reads: "It is with great shock that I received the news of the passing of my father, husband, son, brother, and friend, Virgil Abloh. Surrounded by his loving wife Shannon Ablow, his children Lowe and Gray Ablow, his sister Edwina Ablow, his parents Nee and Eunice Ablow, and many dear friends and colleagues, for over two years, Virgil bravely fought a rare and aggressive cancer called Cardiovascular Sarcoma. Since his diagnosis in 2019, he has chosen to endure the battle personally, undergoing numerous difficult treatments while leading several important institutions across fashion, art, and culture."

The statement continued: "Through it all, his work ethic, boundless curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil's driving force was his dedication to his craft and his mission to open doors for others and pave the way for greater equality in art and design. He often said, "Everything I do is for my 17-year-old self," and he believed deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.