Sophie Dodd & Cai Cramer

Han Myung-Gu/WireImage) By [{ "selector": ".ycgvc-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".zjikc-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }, { "selector": ".almwm-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

Born outside of Chicago to Ghanian parents on Sept. 30, 1980, Abloh began making waves in the fashion industry when he founded the successful streetwear brand Off-White in 2012. PATRICK FRASER/CONTOURY [{ "selector": ".gvdxj-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

Along with his work as one of the greatest fashion minds in this generation, Abloh pursued a passion for music, DJ’ing across the country. JOHNNY NUNEZ/WIREIMAGE [{ "selector": ".zngug-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

The designer and visionary celebrated Off-White's 'You Cut Me Off' Menswear Fall/Winter 2016-2017 show, jumping for joy with model Ian Connor during Paris Fashion Week. RICHARD BORD/GETTY [{ "selector": ".xghtz-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

A champion of creating more opportunity for young Black artists, Abloh launched a mentorship series in 2020 called "Free Game," which provides resources for starting and building a brand. GETTY [{ "selector": ".ujveg-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

As part of my longstanding initiative to see design, art and culture more inclusive to young Black designers ... I wanted to assist in providing the means for them to advance

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Abloh was awarded GQ' s prestigious International Designer of the Year award in November 2017 in Sydney, Australia. CHRISTOPHER PEARCE/GETTY [{ "selector": ".wasjc-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

The taste-defining designer also took home the Urban Luxe award for Off-White at The British Fashion Awards in London in December 2017 and again in 2018. JEFF SPICER/BFC/GETTY [{ "selector": ".mnqqo-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

Abloh was appointed artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collections in March 2018, making history as the first Black designer to hold the prestigious position. BROADIMAGE/SHUTTERSTOCK [{ "selector": ".meyym-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

I want to speak to the generation presiding. But I also want a young generation to come in and know, hey, there's someone here who's listening and speaking back to them.

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Many of Abloh’s famous friends and peers have honored him since his death on Nov. 28, 2021. Kanye West dedicated the most recent Sunday Service to his longtime friend and collaborator. PETROFF/GETTY [{ "selector": ".tmauk-a", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "delay": "0ms", "keyframes": [ {"offset": 0, "opacity": 0}, {"offset": 1, "opacity": 1} ] }]

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BERTRAND RINDOFF PETROFF/GETTY

Sophie Dodd & Cai Cramer

Virgil Abloh: Remembering the Late Designer’s Extraordinary Life

MEMORIAL

As part of my longstanding initiative to see design, art and culture more inclusive to young Black designers ... I wanted to assist in providing the means for them to advance

Abloh to vogue

I want to speak to the generation presiding. But I also want a young generation to come in and know, hey, there's someone here who's listening and speaking back to them.

to Vogue

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See more photos celebrating the life of Virgil Abloh