VIRGIL Abloh was not just a designer; he was a cultural pioneer. On November 28, 2021, the world lost a visionary when Virgil passed away after a brave two-year battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He was 41 years old. Today, as we reflect on his impact, it’s clear that Virgil’s work extended far beyond the confines of fashion—he transformed streetwear, luxury, and the entire cultural landscape.

Virgil’s journey from the founder of Off-White to becoming the Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s division marked a historic achievement. As the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton, his leadership and influence reshaped luxury fashion, bringing in new perspectives and making high fashion more inclusive. His collections were innovative, blending streetwear with traditional luxury, and his work with Off-White laid the foundation for a new kind of fashion culture that embraced both high and low styles.

One of Virgil’s most celebrated collaborations was with Nike for The Ten collection. This collaboration reimagined 10 classic Nike silhouettes with a deconstructed design that would go on to define an entire era of sneaker culture. Virgil’s creative genius shone through in this partnership, taking sneakers from utilitarian sportswear to coveted high-fashion items.

Beyond fashion, Virgil also made waves in music, art, car designs and architecture. He was known for his cross-disciplinary collaborations, working alongside the likes of NIGO, the legendary founder of A Bathing Ape, to create a limited-edition Louis Vuitton capsule collection. His collaborations weren’t just with brands, but with artists, musicians, and designers, blurring the lines between fashion and art. His close relationship with Kanye West, for example, led to him contributing to some of the most iconic album covers and performances in hip-hop and fashion history.

In addition to his groundbreaking fashion collaborations, Virgil extended his visionary approach to the automotive world. His collaboration with Mercedes-Maybach, which introduced a custom-designed car that married luxury with streetwear aesthetics, showcased his ability to cross creative boundaries. The limited-edition Virgil Abloh Maybach was a testament to his forward-thinking approach, blending luxury, innovation, and the culture of design into a cohesive new concept.

Virgil’s design philosophy always aimed to democratize art and fashion, giving voice to communities that were often underrepresented. His collaborations with various brands, like Swarovski and Ikea, and his role in opening doors for other Black creatives, further cemented his position as a cultural icon who never lost sight of his roots. Through it all, his motto was clear: “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,” and his work reflected this dedication to inspiring future generations.

His influence wasn’t just about his iconic designs but his ability to connect people through culture. Virgil Abloh was a visionary who made it his mission to create pathways for equality and access in the world of design, art, and fashion. As we remember him, his legacy continues to inspire, and his contributions will forever remain a touchstone in the evolution of fashion.

You will be deeply missed, Virgil. Rest in power.