Barrier-breaking designer passes away from cancer at 41.
It is a surreal feeling – we've never been more sad over someone we've never met before. But when someone of this magnitude passes away, you have to pause and honor them. Virgil Abloh, founder of streetwear brand Off-White™, artistic director for Louis Vuitton, DJ, art aficionado and pioneer for creative people of color, has passed away at the age of 41 after privately battling cancer. The man who influenced youth culture through his iconic collaborations with Nike, Air Jordan, IKEA, KAWS, Murakami, Kanye West and Bape, was arguably one the most influential black executives in fashion. Reaction from fans and colleagues around the world show that Abloh was not only a brilliant creative, blurring the lines between industries, but just an all-around nice family man who was respectful and encouraging to anyone within the creative arts. What we will miss most about him wasn't the pursuit of being rich and famous, but that he genuinely wanted the tide to rise for all boats; creating opportunities for everyone and especially for people of color. Whether you liked his designs or not, no one can argue that this man changed a generation and will be remembered for his hard work and dedication. It felt like he had so much more left to do. This one hurts. Rest in peace, king. #CROSSxOVER #Culture #VirgilAbloh #Nike #AirJordan #IKEA #KAWS #Murakami #KanyeWest #Bape #The10 #OffWhite #LouisVuitton #LVMH #RIP #FuckCancer