Hollywood stars, famous musicians and fashion executives were among those paying their respects to the late Louis Vuitton artistic director, Virgil Abloh, who passed away Sunday after a battle separate battle with cancer. Abloh is 41 years old.
Several people posting about Abloh’s death highlighted his youth as they also paid tribute to his talent.
“What can you say when a force like Virgil Abloh is taken down too soon? You have given the world so much, in such a short time,” Justin Timberlake wrote on Instagram. “And made with intensity…knowing better than all of us that life is short, but anything is possible. I am honored to know you. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. ”
Riz Ahmed added, “The power rests… it’s gone too soon but your legacy lives on. The culture stretches and the game has changed. Thanks for all you’ve done to be so supportive & the way you’ve pushed us to re-imagine what’s possible. ”
And Usher urges his followers to realize that life can be short: “That’s exactly what I mean when I say that we need to thank the people who were here when we had them, which the point is… you never know when they’ll be gone. ”
Venus Williams has written extensively about Abloh on Instagram, saying, “I follow everything he does very closely and it inspires me to be better at everything I do. His collections really bring tears to my eyes because they are so beautifully connected and so inspiring.”
Williams recalled wanting to see him at the 2021 Met Gala but couldn’t: “I thought I had more time, I didn’t know he didn’t have more time…”
Williams’ brother-in-law, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, recalled how he spoke to Abloh recently, sharing a photo of their text message: “He just texted me a few days ago. before… still — just a week ago — pushed me to focus on my passion. The world today has lost an incredible talent. I don’t know what he’s fighting. Please don’t waste your time. I’m trying to do better than myself.”
BTS, who wore a Louis Vuitton suit at the American Music Awards last week, called him a “true creative genius” and said, “It’s been an honor to work with you.”
Meanwhile, #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign has connected Abloh’s young death to the death of Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer.
“Horrible news about Virgil Abloh. And, of course, think of Chad, who is only a few years older,” she wrote in part. “How these black people have suffered in silence. The barriers they broke, regardless of the amount paid. And what it says about the United States that they have chosen to fight silently. F*ck cancer. ”
A photo Boseman posted to Twitter of himself with Abloh in 2018 was retweeted on Sunday.
In the footnote, Boseman wrote, “History is made.”
Read what stars, fashion labels and other prominent entities are saying about Abloh.
Too soon, Virgil. You will be missed from this world man.
– Idris Elba (@idriselba) November 28, 2021
Rest in power @virgilabloh … Gone too soon, but your legacy lives on. The culture stretches and the game has changed. Thank you for everything you do to be so supportive & the way you push us to re-imagine what is possible
– Riz Ahmed (@rizwanahmed) November 28, 2021
RIP Virgil Abloh, you will be missed.
It is an honor to work with you. A true creative genius.– (@BTS_twt) November 28, 2021
My heart is broken
Virgil you are a kind, generous, caring creative genius
your work as a human being and your work as a divine being will live forever
Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and loved ones for the day
Now that you are with the Master, let’s shine
,
P– Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 28, 2021
We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of Virgil Abloh, a huge inspiration to all of us as a designer and as an individual. He will be deeply missed even though his vision will live on through the paths he has shone through throughout his career. pic.twitter.com/T8gXyNkJzH
– gucci (@gucci) November 28, 2021
The Dior family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of @VirgilAbloh, a visionary genius of our time. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones in this hour of grief. He will be greatly missed as a true friend and designer. pic.twitter.com/PLjXVrHo8m
– Dior (@Dior) November 28, 2021
“I am deeply saddened by the news of @VirgilAblohis passing. He is a brilliant designer who paved the way for many young creations. My thoughts are with his wife and two children,” said Maria Grazia Chiuri as she paid homage to Abloh’s incredible creative legacy. pic.twitter.com/7NSBxcSAzw
– Dior (@Dior) November 28, 2021
Horrible news about Virgil Abloh. And, of course, think of Chad, who was only a few years older. How these black people suffered in silence. The barriers they broke, regardless of the amount paid. And what it says about the United States that they have chosen to fight silently. F*ck cancer.
– April in LA (@ReignOfApril) November 28, 2021
Thank you for inspiring all of us Great Mind. Thank you for such significant and wonderful contributions to Culture and all walks of life. Send all things divine and universal peace energy to your loved ones in your family. Rest well King @virgilabloh 👑👑👑🤲🏿🤲🏿🤲🏿 pic.twitter.com/o3iixXkxuv
– Busta Rhymes (@BustaRhymes) November 28, 2021
Rest in power @virgilabloh
– Scott “Scooter” Braun (@scooterbraun) November 28, 2021
#VirgilAbloh. 1980-2021. Rest in Power, King. You have made an indelible mark on this world. pic.twitter.com/2ocvD2BBZ3
– Lenny Kravitz (@LennyKravitz) November 28, 2021
Damned. Intestinal mouth. @virgilabloh disappeared. He just texted me a few days ago… still — just a week ago — pushing me to focus on my passion. The world today has lost an incredible talent. I don’t know what he’s fighting. Please don’t waste your time. I’m trying to do better than myself. pic.twitter.com/RRQmCtUGPf
– Alexis Ohanian 7️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ (@alexisohanian) November 28, 2021
“It was the great sadness I came to know about #VirgilAblohsuddenly passed. I have followed his career with great interest, his new approach to fashion and media, with a strong sense of inclusion. My thoughts are with his young family.” Giorgio Armani
– Armani (@armani) November 28, 2021
You just never know what someone is going through…
Just be kind
🌹🙏🏾💔😢Rest In Peace, #VirgilAbloh pic.twitter.com/9HoXd15S9e– Holly Robinson Peete ️ (@hollyrpeete) November 28, 2021
Rip Virgil prays for your family thank you for always supporting the always kind youth we just talked to bro pic.twitter.com/e5moTP3sn5
– OFFSET (@OffsetYRN) November 28, 2021
Oh my God @JawnMurray! 41? Too young. My prayers go to Virgil Abloh’s family, friends and everyone whose creativity has touched the world of fashion! 🙏🏾 #VirgilAbloh #REST IN PEACE https://t.co/q169C3VQrb
– Sherri Shepherd (@sherrieshepherd) November 28, 2021
