Drake, Kanye West, Frank Ocean and more pay tribute to DJ and Off-White founder Virgil Abloh

Tributes have flooded in for fashion designer and DJ Virgil Abloh from Drake, Kanye West, Frank Ocean and more following the Off-White founder’s death at 41.

Abloh — who was a designer for Louis Vuitton and Off-White — was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma — a rare, aggressive form of cancer in 2019. The fashion designer, who made history as the first African-Ameircan to lead luxury brand Luis Vuitton, battled the illness in private. News of his death was announced on Sunday (November 28).

A number of artists and celebrities have honoured Abloh for his contributions to fashion, music and design following his passing. Rap superstar Drake shared a carousel of photos of himself and the designer in his tribute:

"My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother thank you for everything," he wrote.

 

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Abloh was the creative director of Kanye West’s creative agency Donda. Ye paid tribute to him on the company’s website. “IN LOVING MEMORY OF VIRGIL ABLOH THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DONDA," a message read. The rapper also commemorated Abloh in his Sunday Service performance as the choir dedicated a cover of Adele's 'Easy On Me' to the prolific designer.

Frank Ocean paid a touching tribute to him via Instagram stories as he recalled a conversation between the pair:

“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."

“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.”

Ocean mentioned how Abloh supported him for his acclaimed album Blonde and the launch of his new luxury label, Homer. "“I know grief is love that you don’t get to express so this is an attempt at expressing it. Love you V. You’re a hero," he added.

A slew of other artists and celebrities like Pharrell Williams, Victoria Beckham and BTS also posted their tributes to the influential designer.

“My heart is broken," said Williams. "Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius. Your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever.

“Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day (sic) ones. You’re with the Master now, shine.”

My heart is broken

Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius

your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever

Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day ones

you’re with the Master now, shine

🙏🏾,
P

— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 28, 2021

Former Spice Girls member and fashion designer Victoria Beckham shared a photo of Abloh and said:

“A true inspiration in so many ways. Rest in peace @virgilabloh. Sending love and light to your beautiful family. We will all miss you so very much.”

 

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BTS collaborated with Abloh on a range for Louis Vuitton and wrote: “RIP Virgil Abloh , you will be missed. It was an honor to work with you. A true creative genius.”

RIP Virgil Abloh , you will be missed.
It was an honor to work with you. A true creative genius.

— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) November 28, 2021

Iconic fashion house Versace paid tribute to the fashion designer in a post on Twitter: "The Versace team would like to extend our deepest condolences at the sad news of Virgil Abloh’s passing. A visionary within the world of fashion, his presence will be deeply missed and his legacy with us forever."

The Versace team would like to extend our deepest condolences at the sad news of Virgil Abloh’s passing. A visionary within the world of fashion, his presence will be deeply missed and his legacy with us forever. pic.twitter.com/M3D4k3vVJX

— VERSACE (@Versace) November 28, 2021