|
Abloh, the American-born son of Ghanaian
immigrants, who became fashion's highest-profile Black designer,
died on Sunday https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/louis-vuitton-designer-virgil-abloh-dies-2021-11-28
following a two-year battle with a rare form of cancer.
The 41-year-old, who also worked as a DJ and visual artist, had
been menswear artistic director at luxury label Louis Vuitton
since March 2018.
"Genius, disruptor ... (he) will be missed tremendously by all,"
veteran designer Tommy Hilfiger said on the red carpet. "He
inspired designers as well as the public."
Designer and television personality Tan France called Abloh
"incredible and a visionary ... (who) has done the most
beautiful work."
Abloh, who founded label Off-White, was known for mixing
streetwear with high-end suits and gowns while at Vuitton. His
influences included graffiti art and hip hop.
"Everyone here is going to be talking about Virgil, everyone
here has been impacted by his brilliance," actor Gabrielle Union
said.
At the awards, where Abloh's photo was projected on stage, the
designer was among 15 individuals and brands named leaders of
change for their actions in the past year helping the
environment, people and creativity.
Others on the list included Balenciaga designer Demna Gvasalia,
Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, and Kim Jones,
artistic director for Fendi womenswear and couture as well as
menswear designer at Dior. Jones was also named designer of the
year at the awards.
Michele also won the trailblazer award, while Hilfiger received
the outstanding achievement award.
"I'm absolutely grateful, appreciative, humbled by it, but happy
to be here and happy to still keep the business rolling,"
Hilfiger, 70, said.
Demi Moore, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Dua Lipa were among the
celebrity guests attending the event, a fundraiser for British
Fashion Council charities.
(Reporting by Hanna Rantala and Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing
by Karishma Singh)
[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content
|
|
