Virgil Abloh, the U.S. designer who championed streetwear and hip-hop culture in luxury fashion as one of the industry’s most prominent Black executives, died on Sunday, according to a post on his Instagram account. He was 41 years old.
The cause was cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Mr. Abloh was diagnosed more than two years ago, the post said, but didn’t disclose his disease to the public.
The star designer will be remembered for being the first Black man to be an artistic director at Louis Vuitton, and the third to lead a French luxury fashion house.
Born outside of Chicago in Rockford, Illinois in 1980, Abloh was an artist, architect, engineer, designer, musician and DJ, chief director, and artistic director. Throughout his career, he has focused on inclusivity and philanthropy across these disciplines.
He is survived by his wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh and his parents.
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