Virgil Abloh, a designer well known in the international fashion world for his distinct stylized takes on streetwear, has died. The news was confirmed by Off-White in a statement sent to The New York Times on Sunday. Abloh was 41.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Jamaica, Abloh began working in the fashion industry as a model at the age of 15. He eventually interned for Saks Fifth Avenue and was soon signing models and launching his own imprint, Graf Zeppelin. He later began designing under the label Off-White.
In an interview with the New York Times, he spoke about his design style, which took influences from African culture and graphic culture in Los Angeles. He created designs that were provocative and commented on color in fashion, particularly black color. “A lot of designers are replacing the snake image with the Jordan shoe-type design, but people want to see the snake. They’re still saying: Crikey, that’s a serpent,” he said.
Abloh released a new installment of his Daisy in 2020 collection for Louis Vuitton earlier this year, which he called “a representation of hard rebellion rooted in every movement and trip.” He also opened the major men’s fashion show for Louis Vuitton in New York, his first ever experience at the event.
The Louis Vuitton spokesperson said, “Virgil Abloh will be sorely missed and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”