Louis Vuitton designer Virgil Abloh dies of cancer at the age of 41

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French fashion group LVMH said Sunday that the designer, who has served as artistic director for men at Louis Vuitton since 2018, has been battling the disease in particular for several years.

He is also the founder of the fashion brand Off White.

In a statement, LVMH said: “LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the death, on Sunday, November 28, of Virgil Abloh, from cancer, who has been battling especially for several years.”

Virgil Abloh attends the 2021 Met Gala

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The American designer first emerged as the creative director of rapper Kanye West, but later made history as the first African American to lead French luxury brand Louis Vuitton.

He was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma – a rare and serious form of cancer in 2019, as it was revealed.

Gigi Hadid and Justin Timberlake were among those who paid tribute on Sunday night.

Supermodel Hadid shared a set of photos of the two of them together and wrote, “My heart is saddened by the loss of my dear friend, and best friend of the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1.”

Justin Timberlake also praised, writing: “What can you say when a power like @virgilabloh is taken so soon?

“You have given the world so much, in so short a time. You have created so much…and knowing better than us that life is short, but anything is possible.”

Kanye West and Virgil Abloh after the Louis Vuitton menswear spring/summer 2019 show

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A letter from Bernard Arnault, Chief Officer of LVMH, read: “We are all shocked by this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer, but also a man of beautiful spirit and great wisdom.”

“The LVMH family joins me at this sad moment, and we are all thinking of loved ones following the death of a spouse, father, brother or friend.

“He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, children Louie Abloh and Gray Abloh, sister Edwina Abloh, parents Ni and Eunice Abloh, and many dear friends and colleagues.

For more than two years, Virgil battled valiantly with a rare type of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle in private since his diagnosis in 2019, and has undergone many challenging treatments, all while managing several important institutions covering fashion, art and culture.

“Through it all, his work ethic, endless curiosity, and optimism have never wavered.”

She added: “Virgil was driven by his dedication to his profession and his mission to open doors for others and create pathways to greater equality in art and design.

“He would often say, ‘All I do is for my 17-year-old copy,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.

“We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we mourn and celebrate Virgil’s life.”

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