The men’s fashion designer of the French fashion brand “Louis Vuitton”, Virgil Abelou, passed away today (Sunday) at the age of 41 after several years of fighting cancer.
Abelow, an American who also worked as a DJ and visual artist, has been the artistic director of the Wheaton men’s collection, the world’s largest luxury brand, since March 2018. He was influenced by graffiti art, hip hop and skateboarding culture, and his arrival at LVMH marked the union of street fashion and fashion. Prestigious, while mixing sneakers and models with tailored suits and evening dresses.
The style was adopted by the group when it sought to breathe new life into certain brands and attract younger customers. In July this year LVMH expanded its role and gave it a mandate to launch new brands and collaborate with existing brands in a variety of sectors beyond fashion. LVMH also acquired 60% of Abel’s Off-White brand.
Abelow used the bride’s messages and gender fluidity to expand the brand’s popularity, and weaved themes of racial identity into his fashion shows with poetry performances and art installations. In order to reach Asian consumers, the designer sent his collection to exhibitions in Shanghai last summer, when many companies canceled their exhibitions due to the corona.
The fashion world mourns: “Virgil was the epitome of modern creativity”
Many in the fashion world were quick to express their condolences and mourn his mourning, which was one of the most prominent names in the field of haute couture. “Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom,” said Bernard Arno, owner of LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton. “Virgil Abelow was the epitome of modern creativity,” wrote his son, senior vice president of product and communications at American jeweler Tiffany, which LVMH acquired this year.
Kim Jones, Creative Director of DIOR MEN said: “It’s so sad to hear of the passing of dear Virgil, one of the nicest people you could meet, many wonderful times we spent traveling the world, spending time in hotel rooms, working on the floor, going through magazines “Japanese, laughing and talking about ideas … my thoughts with Shannon and the children and the rest of his family.”
Fashion designer Donatella Versace said: “Virgil, I lost my words. The world has lost a fashion superstar. Innovative. Creator for history books. I think of all your loved ones on this tragic day. Love, Donatella.”
Former ELLE magazine editor-in-chief Nina Garcia: “You left us too early Virgil. Your creativity, your endless sense of curiosity, your love of design, your impeccable work ethic and immense generosity have shaped a creative universe that has challenged old misconceptions about how “Fashion should create a dialogue with other disciplines. Your understanding of fashion bridged any gap, and attracted a new audience that admired your designs.”
Gucci fashion house said: “We want to express our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Virgil Abla, a huge inspiration to us all both as a designer and as a person. He will be deeply missed even though his vision will continue along the paths he has opened. Throughout his career.”
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