Abloh, the American son of Ghanaian immigrants who became fashion’s most famous Black designer, died Sunday after a two-year battle with a rare form of cancer. meet.
The 41-year-old, who is also a former DJ and visual artist, has been the artistic director of menswear at luxury label Louis Vuitton since March 2018.
“The Genius, disruptor … (he) will be missed immensely by all,” veteran designer Tommy Hilfiger said on the red carpet. “He inspired designers as well as the general public.”
Designer and TV personality Tan France called Abloh “the unbelievable and visionary … (who) did the best work.”
Abloh, who founded the label Off-White, is known for pairing streetwear with high-end suits and blouses while working at Vuitton. His influences include graffiti and hip hop art.
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From his history-making work at Louis Vuitton as men’s art director to an unexpected partnership with Mercedes Benz and artist Takashi Murakami, here’s a look back at some of the designs. Design and the best collaboration of Virgil Abloh. (Image: Abloh at the Met Gala 2021 “Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021. Credit: Image of Cindy Ord / MG21 / Getty
“Everybody here will talk about Virgil, everyone here has been affected by his excellence,” said actor Gabrielle Union.
At the awards ceremony, where Abloh’s photo was shown on stage, the designer was among 15 individuals and brands that have been named leaders of change for their actions over the past year. , helping the environment, people and creativity.
One Fashion Awards attendee carried a card with the Louis Vuitton logo, accompanied by the words “Love Virgil.” Credit: Photos Ben Stansall / AFP / Getty
Others on the list include Balenciaga designer Demna Gvasalia, Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, and Kim Jones, Fendi’s art director for womenswear and couture as well as menswear designer at Dior. Jones was also named Designer of the Year at the awards ceremony.
Michele also won a Trailblazer award, while Hilfiger received an Outstanding Achievement award.
“I’m really grateful, appreciative, humbled for that, but very happy to be here and happy to continue to be in business,” said Hilfiger, 70, said. , speak.
Demi Moore, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Dua Lipa were among the celebrity guests attending the event, a fundraiser for British Fashion Council charities.
Top image caption: Idris Elba speaks during a ceremony honoring Virgil Abloh on stage during the 2021 Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall on November 29, 2021 in London, England.
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