The fashion industry has reacted to the tragic loss…

Fashion visionary Virgil Abloh has passed away in the early hours of this morning, with the designer’s family confirming the news after a two years’ struggle with cancer. The 41 year-old, who became the first African American creative director of Louis Vuitton and later founded fashion brand Off-White, had kept his health battles private since his 2019 diagnosis.

Remembered as one of the most prolific figures in the fashion industry, Abloh also made his mark on the music scene through partnerships with the likes of Kanye West, and several high-profile peers have taken to social media to show their support. In a statement on Twitter, Louis Vuitton chief executive Bernard Arnault said Abloh was “not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom.”

LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh, on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years. pic.twitter.com/CytwZLvSFu

— LVMH (@LVMH) November 28, 2021

Elsewhere, the Chicago designer moonlighted as a DJ, and helped create furniture and packaging for IKEA and McDonald’s. Abloh leaves behind his wife Shannon and his two children, Lowe and Grey.