The designer, who had been battling the disease privately for two years, according to a joint statement from Louis Vuitton, LVMH and Off-White, never let anything filter through beyond his closest sphere, accentuating the void left by this sudden and brutal loss.
Time to reflect, time to remember
It is an entire industry that is in mourning today, including models who worked closely with the fashion designer.
Bella and Gigi Hadid both paid tribute to Virgil Abloh, sharing emotional messages.
“You broke boundaries and made everything your own. You shared your love infinitely. … We’re gonna miss you a lot V.
“You really saw me and supported me on every level. As you did to so many of us. An ethereal light. … I’m devastated,” the former confided in a long message posted on Instagram.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1. His kindness and energetic generosity left a lasting impression on every life he touched – he made everyone feel seen and special. He will be deeply missed, cherished, and celebrated …,” said the latter.
Justin and Hailey Bieber also shared their sorrow on social media. The American supermodel accompanied her message with several photos of her wearing the wedding dress that Virgil Abloh created for her big day.
“Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion, the way he looked at things inspired me deeply. I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to have known him and worked with him.
“… He was someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into,” Hailey Baldwin said in tribute to the designer.
Although more succinct, Justin Bieber’s message is no less heartfelt: “We lost a real one, rest in paradise king.”
Virgil Abloh had long worked with Kanye West, and also rubbed shoulders with the Kardashian-Jenner family.
The model Kendall Jenner, who also worked with the designer for some of his shows, took to social media to express herself after the announcement of his death.
“I can’t believe i’m writing this. if you had the privilege of knowing Virgil, you were one of the lucky ones. He was the kindest, most positive, humble, joyful, and full of light person I have ever known.
“He had the most wonderful way of making you feel so special. His genuine smile would warm your heart. To battle his illness privately perfectly explains the type of man he was …,” explains the model.
In fact, making others feel special is probably the theme that comes up the most in the many testimonies and messages posted in the wake of Virgil Abloh’s death.
A flood of tributes
Among the fashion designer’s colleagues, the initial shock gave way to a host of tributes, celebrating his creative and visionary genius, but also his boundless energy and his love for design.
Olivier Rousteing, creative director of Balmain, is one of the designers who posted a message celebrating the man and the designer.
“I can’t believe it, I am in shock. I knew you for twelve years, even before me being creative director at Balmain. You always brought so much love, lights and talent to this world.
“You are definitely part of legends of our generation. You will stay forever in our heart and in the history of Fashion for your talent, your vision and your kindness,” he said.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director of Dior, also saluted the talent of the late designer: “I am heartbroken by the news of Virgil Abloh’s passing. He was such a brilliant designer who has paved the way for many young creatives.” While Alessandro Michele, who helms Gucci’s collections, said: “May your kindness illuminate the world of angels. Until we meet again.”
From Stella McCartney to Simon Porte Jacquemus to Tom Ford, the entire industry came out in force to send a last message to the multitalented designer.
The Off White label, which he had founded in 2013, and the Louis Vuitton fashion house, where he was men’s artistic director, have obviously joined these many tributes.
The luxury house has already made it known that it will be celebrating the designer’s life and work, starting tomorrow, when some of his latest creations will be showcased: “In loving memory of Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton pays tribute to the life and legacy of a creative genius with a presentation of his Spring-Summer 2022 Collection in Miami on Nov 30 at 5:30 pm (ET),” reads a post on fashion house’s Instagram page.