Designer Virgil Abloh Dies

Singer and actress Jessica Chastain posted a statement on Instagram honoring the well-known designer. “I had the honor of working with Virgil on the closing sfx for MUSE SHOW that celebrated women artists,” she said. “We talked a lot about the need for diversity in our industry and the reason he was passionate about what he was doing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who were touched by his artistic and personal life.”

In recent years, Madonna and Kendall Jenner have been photographed for Louis Vuitton, and off-white bomber jackets, tailored blazers and signature sneakers are now synonymous with the brand’s style.

It is with great sadness that we are confirming that renowned designer Virgil Abloh, who has been selected to lead the menswear collection at Louis Vuitton, passed away this morning. A full statement to come. Please keep the family in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/DnwHrugDPl — Vogue Paris (@vogueparis) September 11, 2017

Born in New York City, Abloh, 41, credited his mother and father for his early artistic influence. He was a founding member of Chicago’s underground urban clothing brand Supra before working for Alexander Wang. He created the men’s and women’s runs for Louis Vuitton’s spring 2017 show, and immediately after was announced as the head of the brand’s men’s wear.

He was very concerned with fashion’s relevance and accessibility, “What’s interesting for me is, fashion was actually one of the things that connected me, almost against me, to traditional youth culture,” he told Fashionista. He began designing for Off-White in 2015 and took over the men’s collections at Louis Vuitton this July.

Aborn without an entrepreneurial spirit or ability to execute professionally, Abloh’s achievements were his ability to find within himself a dream to transform himself and his life as an entrepreneur. He often poked fun at himself and his struggles in interviews, and was often on that transformative path. His first collections for Off-White changed the way artists and collectors looked at everyday clothes and accessories, and the growth of Off-White is testament to the significance of both his talent and his perseverance.

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