Rockford native Virgil Abloh, a global fashion icon, dies at age 41
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Virgil Abloh, a Rockford native who became one of the most influential designers in the world, died Sunday after a private battle with a rare form of cancer. He was 41.
A statement posted on Abloh’s Instagram account said he was diagnosed with cardiac angiosarcoma two years ago. He is survived by his wife, Shannon, his children Lowe and Grey, his sister Edwina and his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh of Rockford.
“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,” the statement on Instagram reads.
Related: ‘The world has lost a true icon’: Rockford designers say Virgil Abloh was an inspiration
Abloh was a 1998 graduate of Boylan High School who continued to give back to his former school and community after finding global success as a designer.
He was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s wear and the founder of his own company, Off-White, which blended luxury and streetwear while collaborating with other brands such as Nike. In 2018, he was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.
“Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered,” the statement on Instagram reads. “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.”
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