The world was in shock on Sunday after learning about the death of iconic fashion designer Virgil Abloh, who died at the age of 41 after having cancer privately for several years. Abloh not only inspired his fans with his skills in fashion design, but he also left his mark on various other aspects.
Here are some of the most notable accomplishments of the designer's life.
Abloh earned his undergraduate degree in engineering
Abloh earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, according to Vogue. He also obtained his master’s degree in architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
He and Kanye West worked as interns for Fendi
Abloh's career in fashion took shape in 2009 when he met Kanye West while working at a screen-printing store, Fortune reports. The encounter opened up an opportunity for the designer to intern with West at the LVMH brand, Fendi. A short time later, Abloh earned a chance to work as West's creative director.
The designer was recognized for his work with Nike
Abloh took another step in his career when he partnered with Nike to design innovative footwear. The fashion icon showed off his creativity with the creation of the Air Jordan 1, which was named Shoe of the Year at the 2017 FN Achievement Awards, according to Footwear News.
“Nike is progressive. They easily could have been like, ‘Don’t do this. You can’t have the heel counter exposed — that needs to be covered.’ Instead, they said, ‘We did a collaboration to find new space,'” Abloh told Footwear News in 2017.
Abloh developed a close relationship with West and Kid Cudi
Abloh's first Louis Vuitton runway show featured some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including West and Kid Cudi, Forbes reports. While performing on Saturday Night Live last year, Kid Cudi wore a dress designed by Abloh. The fashion genius also created a line of shirts to promote West’s Life of Pablo album in 2016.
He launched Off-White in 2012
In 2012, Abloh founded the fashion house Off-White. The company's creative streetwear design attracted the attention of Louis Vuitton, who signed Abloh to serve as its menswear artistic director in 2018, according to Variety.
Prior to his launch of Off-White, the fashion designer released Pyrex Vision. The collection included Champion T-shirts, hoodies, basketball shorts, socks and flannel shirts featuring its unique lettering, according to High Snobiety.
The trailblazer became the first Black artistic director at LV
Abloh made history when he became Louis Vuitton's first Black artistic director. The trailblazer made his mark at the company by attracting a younger demographic and challenging gender norms, CNN reports. Celebrities such as Michael B. Jordan and Chadwick Boseman showed off Abloh's designs at major events.
He made notable contributions to hip-hop
Abloh has also made big contributions to the hip-hop industry. He gained recognition as a prominent DJ, playing at music venues around the world. Working with West, he served as a creative director for the rapper's design agency, Donda. He also designed several album covers for West, including for 808s & Heartbreak, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Yeezus and Watch the Throne, XXL reports. He also designed Lil Uzi Vert's Luv Is Rage 2, A$AP Rocky's Long.Live.A$AP, Kid Cudi's WZRD, 2 Chainz's Based on a T.R.U. Story, Big Sean's Dark Sky Paradise and Pop Smoke's Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon.
