‘He’ll be missed, cherished and celebrated’: Fashion icon Virgil Abloh is honoured by a host of stars including Hailey Bieber, Pharrell Williams and Marc Jacobs following his tragic death at 41

• Abloh’s death was announced on Instagram on Sunday with a lengthy caption revealing he secretly fought rare cancer cardiac angiosarcoma since 2019 and sought a number of treatments through the fight
• A legion of celebrity friends and fans took to social media to honour the late visionary with images and words
• Leading the star-studded tributes was Hailey, who was honored to have Virgil create her stunning wedding dress when she married husband Justin Bieber three years ago
• Other stars to reach out after his untimely death include Pharrell, the Hadid sisters, Kanye West and Drake  

Hailey Bieber, Pharrell Williams and Marc Jacobs honored the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh who died on Sunday morning after privately battling an ‘aggressive form of cancer’ at the age of 41.  

Abloh’s death was announced on Instagram on Sunday with a lengthy caption revealing he had secretly fought cardiac angiosarcoma since 2019 and sought a number of treatments through the fight. 

The caption read: ‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a 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 dear friends and colleagues.’

Leading the star-studded tributes was Hailey, who was honored to have Virgil create her stunning wedding dress when she married husband Justin Bieber three years ago, as well as the Hadid sisters and a slew of fashionistas. 

An honour: Stars came out in droves to pay tribute to late fashion visionary Virgil Abloh, following his tragic death at 41 after  a battle with rare cancer since 2019 (Virgil is pictured in Paris, France on July 5, 2021)

Honored: Hailey Bieber, who was honored to have Virgil create her stunning wedding dress when she married husband Justin Bieber three years ago, shared a touching tribute to Abloh on Instagram

Hailey penned: ‘Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion, the way he looked at things inspired me deeply…

‘I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to have known him and worked with him, from walking on his runways to having him design my wedding dress and all the other amazing moments in between, I felt he was always rooting for me…

‘He was someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into. A once in a generation creative mind that is so rare and I’ll never forget his impact. We love you Virgil.’

Pharrell took to Twitter with a tribute to the Off-White designer: ‘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.’ 

Emotional: Hailey penned: ‘Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion, the way he looked at things inspired me deeply’ 

‘He was someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into. A once in a generation creative mind that is so rare and I’ll never forget his impact. We love you Virgil.’

Tragic: Abloh’s death was announced on Instagram Sunday with a lengthy caption revealing he battled cardiac angiosarcoma for two years

‘My heart is broken,’ he wrote. ‘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.’

Gutted: Gigi Hadid wrote that she was absolutely ‘heartbroken’ by the loss of the designer and spoke to his character as a friend 

Tribute: ‘I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh – He was 1 of 1,’ Hadid wrote 

Gigi Hadid wrote that she was absolutely ‘heartbroken’ by the loss of the designer and spoke to his character as a friend, while likening him to Mickey Mouse as someone who will be ‘forever adored’ and ‘magical.’  

‘I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh. He was 1 of 1. His kindness and energetic generosity left a lasting impression on every life he touched— he made everyone feel seen and special. 

‘He will be deeply missed, cherished, and celebrated by me and all the people and industries that have been lucky enough to work around & know the true supernova behind this man. 

‘I picture him now like our Mickey Mouse .. forever with us, forever adored, forever magical, forever guiding us with that special Virgil FUN; I’m sure that’s how he wanted to be remembered, but still it will never be the same without him in the room.

Fun filled moments: ” picture him now like our Mickey Mouse .. forever with us, forever adored, forever magical, forever guiding us with that special Virgil FUN; I’m sure that’s how he wanted to be remembered, but still it will never be the same without him in the room’ 

Embrace: The supermodel had worked closely with the designer throughout her career and shared snaps of intimate moments 

Creatives: In one snap shared the duo doodled during a fitting 

Eternal love: Drake wrote ‘My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother thank you for everything’ 

‘You will continue to inspire me every day, V. I feel blessed and honored by every moment. Rest Easy, my friend. You are so loved. You were the difference. As we always said.. ‘See you somewhere, soon™️’ Hadid wrote. 

Drake wrote ‘My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother thank you for everything,’ accompanied by photos of the duo. 

Proving his talents as a designer spanned beyond clothing, Abloh had also designed the rapper’s private jet — dubbed ‘Air Drake’ — which features the OVO owl and the words ‘VA Abloh engineering.’ 

Mid-concert love: Another image posted by the rapper showed the pair sharing a handshake during one of his concerts 

On film: Another shot shared the duo having fun at a club as captured on film 

Proving his talents as a designer spanned beyond clothing, Abloh had also designed the rapper’s private jet — dubbed ‘Air Drake’ — which features the OVO owl and Abloh engineering 

 Abloh trained as an architect and made history as Louis Vuitton’s first black artistic director.

The founder of game-changing label Off-White, a brand he created in 2012, had taken over the role from Kim Jones. 

He got into fashion when he landed an internship at Fendi in 2009 alongside rap superstar Kanye West, and they continued to collaborate together.

‘I am so sorry to read this,’ Marc Jacobs wrote on Twitter. ‘My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May you Rest in Peace and Power dear Virgil.’ 

Runway moments: Another snap showed the prolific designer taking to the runway following one of his fashion shows

‘We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,’ the caption said. ‘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’

‘I am so sorry to read this,’ Marc Jacobs wrote on Twitter. ‘My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. May you Rest in Peace and Power dear Virgil’

Honest: Jodie Turner-Smith wrote: ‘truly, f*** CANCER’

Odell Beckham Jr. shared: ‘I wish we lived in a world where we could celebrate the living instead of celebrating them when they leave. Rest In Peace to my brother Virgil! You were loved’

Shocked: Kehlani took to twitter to say ‘rest in absolute peace’ as she called the death ‘shocking’

Life lessons: Soulja Boy called him a ‘legend and icon’ 

‘We are all shocked by this terrible news, Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom,’ Louis Vuitton executive director Bernault Arnault said in a statement. 

‘The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their brother, their father or their friend.’ 

Jodie Turner-Smith wrote: ‘truly, f*** CANCER.’ 

Odell Beckham Jr. shared: ‘I wish we lived in a world where we could celebrate the living instead of celebrating them when they leave. Rest In Peace to my brother Virgil! You were loved’ 

Kris Jenner posted to Twitter and wrote that she was ‘so so saddened and devastated’ to hear about the passing of her ‘dear friend Virgil Abloh’ who she called an ‘angel’ and joined celebrities who sent ‘love and prayers to his beautiful family.’ 

Saddened: Kris Jenner posted to Twitter and wrote that she was ‘deeply saddened and devastated’ about his passing 

Symbolic: Khloe Kardashian took to Twitter with a string of dove and broken heart emojis 

Groundbreaking: Usher called the designer ‘the culture’ and cautioned ‘you never know when they’re going to go’ 

Brotherly love: The Yeah! singer shared a snap of the pair posing together where Abloh rested his arm on his shoulder 

Khloe Kardashian expressed her sadness in emoji form and she posted a string of doves and broken hearts on Twitter. 

Usher shared two images of them embracing and wrote: ‘Thank you brother for everything you’ve offered this world. You shifted it all. You are the culture. This is precisely what I meant when I said we need to thank those who are here while we have them, it’s important … you never know when they’re going to go.’ 

Kaia Gerber poetically wrote: ‘in a world where smiles are too rare, and kindness is even rarer, there was you. with your laughter and your light and your positivity. i would look to you when it felt like everything was spinning and somehow you always made it go quiet. 

‘You saw people, and through your art you gave them the courage to be themselves. thank you for everything you taught me. taught us. you changed the world. virgil forever ♥️ we love you. sending my deepest love and condolences to shannon, their kids, and the whole family.’

Beacon of positivity: Kaia Gerber poetically wrote: ‘in a world where smiles are too rare, and kindness is even rarer, there was you’ 

Leaning on him: The model daughter of Cindy Crawford continued to write ‘i would look to you when it felt like everything was spinning and somehow you always made it go quiet’ 

Legendary: Amelia Gray Hamlin re-posted a portrait of the designer and wrote ‘legends never die…thank you for your incredible mind’

Man of many talents: January Jones tried to add a bit of levity to the sadness as she wrote ‘Heaven just got way cooler,’ and called him the ‘best restaurant recommender in any city’

Amelia Gray Hamlin wrote ‘legends never die’ and thanked him for his ‘incredible mind.’ 

January Jones tried to add a bit of levity to the sadness as she wrote ‘Heaven just got way cooler,’ and called him the ‘best restaurant recommender in any city’ adding that he ‘art directed life.’

Many celebrities including Chantel Jeffries, Eiza Gonzalez and Meadow Walker reposted the colorful image of Abloh shared to his official Instagram page following the news of his passing. 

Thanks: Chantel Jeffries joined other celebs who reposted the colorful image of Abloh that was shared to his official Instagram page following the news of his passing

Living loud: Eiza Gonzalez wrote how he lived his life ‘loud and bold’ 

Rest in love: Meadow Walker wrote ‘rest in love’

 Donatella Versace shared a photo of the pair with Naomi Campbell and wrote ‘Virgil, I am lost for words. The world has lost a fashion superstar. An innovator. A creator for the history books. I am thinking of all your loved ones on this tragic day.’

Other celebrities who worked closely with Abloh including Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Kendall Jenner seemed to mourn the loss privately. 

The death sent shockwaves through Hollywood as like Chadwick Boseman, Virgil had opted to keep his illness private.   

Kanye aka ‘Ye’ who had bedded a feud with the Illinois born designer in 2018 reportedly was one of ‘those close to Virgil who was aware of his illness,’ per TMZ. 

Fashion community: Donatella Versace shared a photo of the pair with Naomi Campbell and wrote ‘I am lost for words’

Coming together: Fendi designer Kim Jones commented on Donatella’s post as Virgil had taken over his former role as Louis Vuitton designer

Rande Gerber shared the Virgil Abloh Louis Vuitton logo with ‘Love Virgil’ below it, along with a heartwarming message, sharing, ‘He inspired music, fashion and culture, but most of all he inspired people. RIP.’

Bella Hadid shared a number of snaps of her with the fashion designer, along with a heartfelt message as well.

‘Im at a loss .. He was someone to everyone. That was the magic power he held. He made every person he came across feel special in whatever way he possibly could,’ Bella began. 

Rande’s tribute: Rande Gerber shared the Virgil Abloh Louis Vuitton logo with ‘Love Virgil’ below it, along with a heartwarming message, sharing, ‘He inspired music, fashion and culture, but most of all he inspired people. RIP’

Bella and Virgil: Bella Hadid shared a number of snaps of her with the fashion designer, along with a heartfelt message as well

At a loss: ‘Im at a loss .. He was someone to everyone. That was the magic power he held. He made every person he came across feel special in whatever way he possibly could,’ Bella began

‘Even when the world felt sad, he brought laughter and color and beauty. The way he made a positive impact on anything he touched, and always pushed for his culture/the world is the reason why he was an angel on earth and one to so many. The most beautiful warrior soul. I can’t believe this,’ Hadid added.

‘You broke boundaries and made everything your own. You shared your love infinitely. The way your brain worked was beyond anything , and the way you did every single thing in life for your family, friends, and for the better .. . We’re gonna miss you a lot V . You really saw me and supported me on every level. As you did to so many of us,’ she added.

‘An ethereal light. You always inspired to keep pushing, work hard and be kind. No matter what. I’m thinking about, sending love and prayers to his beautiful Shannon, their kids, and the rest of the Abloh family. I’m devastated. You will be so missed and cherished V. “FOR INFINITY..” Fly high my Libra brother. I know you’re watching over the world now . I love you for life,’ she concluded.

Boundaries: ‘Even when the world felt sad, he brought laughter and color and beauty. The way he made a positive impact on anything he touched, and always pushed for his culture/the world is the reason why he was an angel on earth and one to so many. The most beautiful warrior soul. I can’t believe this,’ Hadid added

Boundaries: ‘You broke boundaries and made everything your own. You shared your love infinitely. The way your brain worked was beyond anything , and the way you did every single thing in life for your family, friends, and for the better .. . We’re gonna miss you a lot V . You really saw me and supported me on every level. As you did to so many of us,’ she added

Libra: ‘An ethereal light. You always inspired to keep pushing, work hard and be kind. No matter what. I’m thinking about, sending love and prayers to his beautiful Shannon, their kids, and the rest of the Abloh family. I’m devastated. You will be so missed and cherished V. “FOR INFINITY..” Fly high my Libra brother. I know you’re watching over the world now . I love you for life,’ she concluded

Kendall Jenner also shared several snaps of her with Abloh, along with a touching tribute to the fashion icon.

‘I can’t believe i’m writing this. If you had the privilege of knowing Virgil, you were one of the lucky ones. He was the kindest, most positive, humble, joyful, and full of light person I have ever known,’ Jenner began.

‘He had the most wonderful way of making you feel so special. his genuine smile would warm your heart. to battle his illness privately perfectly explains the type of man he was, he never wanted anyone to worry about him,’ she added.

Tribute: Kendall Jenner also shared several snaps of her with Abloh, along with a touching tribute to the fashion icon

Virgil: ‘I can’t believe i’m writing this. If you had the privilege of knowing Virgil, you were one of the lucky ones. He was the kindest, most positive, humble, joyful, and full of light person I have ever known,’ Jenner began

We have lost a dear friend. No words do my feelings justice at this very moment, but what I can say is that i am absolutely heartbroken. for his family, his kids, his wife, and anyone who cared for him deeply,’ Jenner continued.

V taught me and all of us a very important lesson, although he knew he had only so long, he was bright, he was kind & he was full of love. we all need a little bit of Virgil in us,’ she added.

He leaves us with his influence, to create and change the world. you did just that Virg. Our angel here on earth, is now above us.

Dear friend: We have lost a dear friend. No words do my feelings justice at this very moment, but what I can say is that i am absolutely heartbroken. for his family, his kids, his wife, and anyone who cared for him deeply,’ Jenner continued

Lesson: V taught me and all of us a very important lesson, although he knew he had only so long, he was bright, he was kind & he was full of love. we all need a little bit of Virgil in us,’ she added

Angel: He leaves us with his influence, to create and change the world. you did just that Virg. Our angel here on earth, is now above us

‘I love you V!!! I will miss you V. I am blessed to have been touched by your energy. I know you’re setting all the best vibes up there. rest peacefully and powerfully beautiful Virgil. Till next time,’ Jenner concluded.

Alicia Keys shared husband Swizz Beatz’s tribute from his Instagram story, stating, ‘Today we lost a big disruptor to the ARTS. I’m sending condolences to family and close friends.’ 

Kylie Jenner also shared one of Kendall’s photos of Virgil on her Instagram story, stating, ‘This really hurts,’ with a broken heart emoji, adding, ‘We love you Virgil.’ 

Loved and missed: ‘I love you V!!! I will miss you V. I am blessed to have been touched by your energy. I know you’re setting all the best vibes up there. rest peacefully and powerfully beautiful Virgil. Till next time,’ Jenner concluded

Alicia: Alicia Keys shared husband Swizz Beatz’s tribute from his Instagram story, stating, ‘Today we lost a big disruptor to the ARTS. I’m sending condolences to family and close friends’ 

Kylie’s tribute: Kylie Jenner also shared one of Kendall’s photos of Virgil on her Instagram story, stating, ‘This really hurts,’ with a broken heart emoji, adding, ‘We love you Virgil’

Kanye West also dedicated this week’s Sunday Service to Virgil, with a message on the DondaLive website that reds, ‘In loving memory of Virgil Abloh the creative director of Donda.’

Cardi B took to her Instagram story stating RIP @virgilabloh a legend! He made amazing impact in the fashion industry and on the culture. I don’t see anyone doing it like him ever again.   

The Hills star Whitney Port admitted she didn’t know Virgil Abloh personally, but she wanted to honor his, ‘work, his mind and his creative essence’ in an Instagram story post. 

Kanye’s tribute: Kanye West also dedicated this week’s Sunday Service to Virgil, with a message on the DondaLive website that reds, ‘In loving memory of Virgil Abloh the creative director of Donda’

Cardi’s tribute: Cardi B took to her Instagram story stating RIP @virgilabloh a legend! He made amazing impact in the fashion industry and on the culture. I don’t see anyone doing it like him ever again.’

Whitney’s tribute: The Hills star Whitney Port admitted she didn’t know Virgil Abloh personally, but she wanted to honor his, ‘work, his mind and his creative essence’ in an Instagram story post

Justin Bieber also honored Abloh with a throwback snap, adding, ‘We lost a real one, rest in paradise king.’ 

Paris Hilton shared a snap of Abloh on her Instagram story, adding, ‘So sad hearing about the news of @virgilabloh. He was a kind, brilliant, creative genius. A true visionary who made such an impact on the fashion industry. Sending so much love to his family and loved ones. You will be forever missed.’

Singer Frank Ocean also penned a touching tribute to Abloh on his Instagram story, along with some throwback snaps.

Bieber tribute: Justin Bieber also honored Abloh with a throwback snap, adding, ‘We lost a real one, rest in paradise king’

 Paris’ tribute: Paris Hilton shared a snap of Abloh on her Instagram story, adding, ‘So sad hearing about the news of @virgilabloh. He was a kind, brilliant, creative genius. A true visionary who made such an impact on the fashion industry. Sending so much love to his family and loved ones. You will be forever missed’

Throwback: Singer Frank Ocean also penned a touching tribute to Abloh on his Instagram story, along with some throwback snaps

Frank and Virgil: Frank Ocean shared a throwback snap of him and Virgil Abloh

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