Virgil Abloh death: Kanye West, Drake & more pay tribute to Virgil Abloh following his death

29 November 2021, 10:34 | Updated: 29 November 2021, 16:56

R.I.P Virgil Abloh 🕊️

Virgil Abloh has died aged 41 after suffering from cancer, it was announced last night.

The first Black creative director for Louis Vuitton and Off-White had secretly been battling cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare, aggressive form of the disease for the past two-years.

The announcement of his passing was made via his official Instagram page.

"We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture" it says.

"Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations".

Known for his close friend with Kanye West, the Jesus Walks rapper dedicated last nights Sunday Service to the his friend, sharing a post from the Donda's Place account that read:

"In Loving Memory of Virgil Abloh, The Creative Director of DONDA'.

Virgil and Kanye's relationship started back in the early ‘00s. Since then Virgil designed some of his most iconic album covers, such as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Yeezus.

Since the announcement of his passing, celebrity tributes have poured in, with many sharing their devotion at the passing of the fashion maverick.

Singer Kehlani tweeted: "rest in absolute peace. shocking. thank you Virgil".

Frank Ocean took his IG story to share his condolences to Virgil typing: "My fam was proud of you like you were our family. I know grief is love that you don’t get to express so is an attempt at expressing it. Love you V. You’re a hero".

"In 2018 I believe it was I called V and asked him how it was possible to play hundreds of shows a year and do numerous fashion collections a year and be a father and a husband and return EVERYONE’s texts with enthusiasm and emojis and encouragement and seemingly.. with ease" he wrote.

"I cannot remember how he responded verbatim but I’m sure it was quotable whatever he said,” Ocean continued. “He was always quotable. But the gist of his response was that he was interested in living and living to the maximum extent of his level… which proved to be Impossible today because he was BEYOND".

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Drake took to IG to share several images of himself and Virgil typing: "My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother 🕊thank you for everything".

Last night, Wizkid performed at the o2 Arena paid his respects, standing in front of a huge screen that read "Rest in Peace VIRGIL ABLOH 1980 - 2021".

Here are some of the other celebrity tributes below.

Offset pays tribute to Virgil Abloh

R.I.P Virgil Abloh 🕊️

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