Top International Fashion News Of The Week | 05.12.21

The fashion industry mourns the passing of Virgil Abloh, and Bella Hadid has rejoined Victoria’s Secret. Discover these stories and more as we uncover this week’s top international fashion news.

Fashion World mourns Virgil Abloh

Virgil Abloh has died at the age of 41. “For more than two years, Virgil has valiantly battled an aggressive rare cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma,” reads a statement. “He has chosen to take his battles personally since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing a variety of challenging treatments, while presiding over several important institutions spanning fashion, arts and culture.” Abloh is considered a game changer for the fashion industry, being the first black man to become LV Artistic Director.

On the sidelines of the announcement, the fashion world paid tribute to the designer. From Marc Jacob to Kim Jones, Gigi Hadid and many others shared their condolences, as well as memories from the designer. “Virgil was not only a genius designer and visionary, but he was also a man with a beautiful soul and extraordinary wisdom. The LVMH family joins me at this time of great sadness, and we are all thinking of their loved ones at the loss of their husband, father, brother, son and friend,” said Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH.

Stars Gather for British Fashion Awards

The British Fashion Awards take place at the Royal Albert Hall, celebrating the leaders of fashion and style. Stars gathered on the red carpet, including Dua Lipa, Precious Lee, Gabrielle Union and others, wearing Maximilian, H&M, and Valentino, respectively. Some of the night’s winners included Alessandro Michele for the Trailblazer Award and Kim Jones as Designer of the Year. Leaders of Change Creativity winners include Virgil Abloh, Alessandro Michele, Demna Gvasalia, Kim Jones, and Jonathan Anderson.

English Vogue Editor and Editorial Director of Europe, Edward Enninful, read a tribute to the late Virgil Abloh, who died the day before the event. “As a black man in a French mansion, I am very aware of my responsibilities. Rather than preaching about it, I hope to lead by example and open doors for future generations. I believe in making my mark with poise, style and elegance.”

LV Posts Award Show for Virgil Abloh

Louis Vuitton pays homage to the late Virgil Abloh by putting on his final show. “Virgil was here” is one of Abloh’s ‘spin-off’ shows, with his latest collection of works from SS22. Abloh’s celebrities, muses, and friends attended, including Edward Enninful, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Kanye West, and Kim Kardashian, among many others. “Although there were moments of somber emotion among the guests, the atmosphere was far from funeral,” said Chantal Fernandez, for Fashion Business. “There’s laughter. There was a long hug. And there’s no shortage of bold looks, with many in attendance paying homage to their finest Abloh-designed work. ”

Abloh’s family requested that the show continue, even after his death, to ensure the show celebrates his achievements as an artist. A giant three-story statue was erected of the late designer. Louis Vuitton CEO Michael Burke shared a speech before the show started. “He uses the platform at his disposal to break boundaries, to open doors, to explain his creative passions — art, design, music, and of course, fashion — so that everyone can look inside,” he said. “Not only dreaming of being a part of that world, but also finding ways to make that dream come true.”

Bella Hadid Joins Victoria’s Secret Collection

Bella Hadid returns to Victoria’s Secret, but not as an Angel. The supermodel is the newest member of the VS Collective and joins Hailey Bieber, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Naomi Osaka, and others. She previously walked for the lingerie brand’s fashion shows for three years. However, he left due to allegations of sexual harassment from one of the brand’s top executives, who has resigned. Hadid returned to VS because she felt the brand had changed and was no longer a ‘man run for men’ brand. “I feel empowered again,” she shared with Marie Claire. “I feel empowered in underwear instead of feeling like my body is some kind of moneymaker.”