Louis Vuitton honored late artist director and designer Virgil Abloh’s request by displaying his final collection on Tuesday in Miami. The fashion house announced on social media, the Spring-Summer 2022 show “paid tribute to the life and legacy of a creative genius.”
According to People, Michael Burke, Chairman and CEO of the French fashion house, said that the designer’s “wishes” were for the show to go on.
“It is with profound sorrow that I learned of the passing of Virgil Abloh. Virgil was not only a friend, great collaborator, creative genius, visionary, and disruptor, but also one of the best cultural communicators of our times. He paved the way for future generations. As a devoted supporter of his community through his charities and passions, he was an eternal optimist who believed anything was possible,” Burke stated.
Burk continued, “In this same spirit, we at Louis Vuitton will proudly continue to celebrate his legacy with a final show in Miami, per his wishes. I am honored to have called him my friend. My deepest thoughts are with his wife, children, parents, family, and the entire community that was touched by his greatness.”
The Instagram post was accompanied by a video of a child riding their bike through the streets of Miami before reaching an LV hot air balloon with the words inscribed “Virgil was here” appearing on the screen before taking off, People reported.
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Family, friends, and fashion enthusiasts appeared at the fashion house’s Spring-Summer 2022 Collection to pay tribute to the former artistic designer. Rapper Kanye West and estranged wife, Kim Kardashian, put their differences aside and attended the show together with their daughter North West, Page Six reported.
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Abloh served as a longstanding collaborator of West and creative director for the rapper’s agency Donda. The former designer also art-directed the covers for West’s albums “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and “Yeezus.”
A slew of high-profile names attended the Louis Vuitton show, including 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Gunna, Metro Boomin, 2 Chainz, plus Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. (The couple, close friends of the Arnault family, who own LV, were seated in the front row as well). In addition, rapper Quavo modeled in the runway show, along with Kid Cudi and Offset.
As Sis2Sis previously reported, Abloh, 41, passed away on Sunday from a two-year battle with a rare form of cancer called cardiac angiosarcoma. He was the first Black creative director for the luxury brand. The news of his passing was confirmed via Abloh’s verified Instagram account.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.”
“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma,” the account posted. “He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.”
“Through it, all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”
“We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.”
