Virgil Abloh’s Fashion Legacy in Pictures

Is there ever a “right” thing to say when someone passes?

A brief Google search will tell you to say things like “I’m so sorry for your loss” and “sending my deepest sympathies.” Still, more often than not, the recipients of the bad news are rendered speechless, knowing that no amount of words, calls or emojis will ever be able to encapsulate the wonderful person that has suddenly left. I mean, what is there to say?

Such is the world’s reaction at the sudden passing of designer extraordinaire Virgil Abloh, who at only 41 died of a rare form of cancer. Because his illness was kept secret, the news was especially shocking as he was seen only a few months ago at the Met Gala in September, looking just as cool as ever. But as the hours have passed since the news broke on Sunday, the initial sorrowful speechlessness has since transformed into an outpouring of love and support, with emotional goodbyes and tributes from everyone from Hailey Bieber to Kanye West.

As the public’s grief has rightfully taken over social media, similar words continue to appear: powerful, barrier-breaking and revolutionary. And they’re right. As the creative genius behind Off-White and Louis Vuitton’s menswear line, Virgil Abloh and his best works will be remembered for reshaping luxury fashion. He elevated and expanded streetwear, exemplified by the success of his own brand. He pushed the boundaries of gender norms and questioned so-called “men’s staples” with his work at the French design house. And he paved the way for so many other BIPOC creatives within the industry.

While it’s a cliché to say, even though Virgil Abloh is gone, he will not be forgotten. His spirit will forever live in the ground-breaking work he shared with the world. FASHION has rounded up a few of Virgil Abloh’s best works to celebrate his life and legacy.

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Photography by Getty Images

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Timothée Chalamet at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards

For non-fashion folk, their first real introduction to the genius that was Virgil Abloh was Timothée Chalamet’s Golden Globes harness look. Abloh’s harness was first introduced in his Spring 2019 collection for Louis Vuitton and became one one of the designer’s trademarks.