Fashion designer Virgil Abloh has died of cancer, aged 41.
The influential figure founded the label Off White and was artistic director of Louis Vuitton.
He passed away today, November 28, following a two-year cancer battle.
Tributes are already pouring in for the ‘genius and visionary’ designer and father of two, who has been described as ‘a man with a beautiful soul’.
Virgil ‘valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer’ in private for several years, it was announced today on his social media profiles.
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The statement on Virgil’s Instagram account reads: “We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.
Virgil Abloh. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.
“He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.
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“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. 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.
“Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. 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.
“We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.
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“Virgil Abloh, September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021”
A statement from Bernard Arnault, CEO of the LVMH group which owns Louis Vuitton, says: “We are all shocked after this terrible news.
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
“Virgil was not only a genius designer, a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom.
“The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones after the passing of their husband, their father, their brother or their friend.”
Davide De Giglio and Andrea Grilli from New Guards Group (which owns Off White) said in a statement: “Virgil was a genius, a visionary but most of all he was family.
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“There are no words to describe the loss that his passing leaves in our lives. His legend, his love and his spirit will remain with us forever.
“Thank you for changing our lives, Virgil. Rest in power, brother.”
Omg I can’t believe @virgilabloh is gone. Noooo💔💔💔
Pharrell Williams posted: “My heart is broken. Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius.
“Your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever.
“Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day ones.
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“You’re with the Master now, shine.”
Idris Elba wrote: “Too soon Virgil. You will be missed from this world man.”
Sacha Lord has tweeted: “I am so shocked and saddened by this. It was only a few weeks ago, Virgil was playing @WHP_Mcr and he was on really good form. #RIPVirgilAbloh”
Featured image: Instagram, @virgilabloh
News
NASA reveals exact time you can see ‘Santa’s sleigh’ fly over Greater Manchester this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
There’s not long left until Santa and his reindeer crew fly over the skies of Manchester to drop off all those presents.
And it seems like Manchester must have been extra nice this year, as Santa is treating us to lots of chances to catch a glimpse of him on his mission to deliver millions of gifts in time for Christmas.
Just like every year, Santa is dusting off his sleigh and polishing his boots to prepare for his biggest night visiting lots of kids and families. The sleigh is being filled with lots of goodies and surprises as we speak… it’s almost like he can smell the milk and cookies from here.
NASA, one of the world’s leading space companies, has been working meticulously to find out Santa’s route for 2025.
The world-renowned space agency has given us an exact time to look up at the stars to spot the main man himself and catch the glimmer of lights from his sleigh.
NASA has reveals the exact time you can see ‘Santa’s sleigh’ flying over Greater Manchester this Christmas / Credit: Tim Mossholder (via Unsplash)
As a man who has lots of experience globe trotting, it’s safe to say the big man knows how to efficiently cover as many houses as possible all in one night.
Santa’s sleigh will, coincidentally (*wink wink), be present at the same time as the International Space Station (ISS), however anyone looking to see this festive vehicle can notice the lights won’t change direction and will not flash.
This time round, Santa is swooshing round Greater Manchester on Christmas Day a whole hour earlier than last year, meaning that nice list must be the longest it’s ever been.
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Wednesday 24 December
5:21am
Santa’s sleigh lights will be visible for two minutes travelling South East to East, as the man of Christmas weighs up his North West delivery route.
6:54am
There’s a six minute opportunity to catch those bright lights of Santa’s sleigh in the Manchester sky as he travels from West to South East, finalising his map before the big night ahead.
Thursday 25 December
4:35am
It will be visible for less than a minute, no movement, in a static position. Santa will be doing a headcount of all the houses to make sure he’s not missed a single chimney.
6:08am
The sleigh will be seen for four minutes, moving from South West to South East, by now Santa will have finished his Manchester delivery drop and will be heading on over the hill to our friends in Leeds.
TfGM and Andy Burnham confirm all Bee Network fares will be frozen for 2026
Emily Sergeant
Mayor Andy Burnham and local councillors have announced that all Bee Network fares will be frozen at their current price for 2026.
In what is said to be a move to make the Bee Network more ‘inclusive and accessible’ for all, it has now been confirmed that all bus and tram fares – including the £2 fare cap for an adult single journey – will be frozen for the whole of 2026.
Since all buses came under local control back in January of this year, more than 34 million single/hopper bus journeys have been made.
In case you weren’t aware, all single tickets on Bee Network buses are now ‘hoppers’, and this means passengers can ‘hop on’ as many buses as they like within one hour for the same price as existing single tickets.
Andy Burnham confirms all Bee Network fares will be frozen for 2026 / Credit: TfGM
Subject to budget approval in the new year, it’s planned for the £2 fare set to remain for a fourth year, while all other bus fares will remain the same price for the whole of 2026.
Greater Manchester was the first area to introduce a £2 single bus fare in September 2022, and since then, the Bee Network says it has continued to ‘drive down the cost of travel’, with reductions in seven and 28-day bus tickets, as well as annual bus tickets.
Metrolink fares are also to be frozen for a sixth consecutive year.
All tram fares will be frozen as will all daily, weekly, monthly and annual bus ticket prices. 🐝 pic.twitter.com/NeZZBUoIUp
“We know that many people are struggling with the cost of living, so I am pleased to confirm that we are freezing Bee Network fares for the whole of next year,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Greater Manchester’s council leaders and I are committed to making sure that travel remains affordable and people can still get where they need to across the city region, with a bit more money in their pocket and one less thing to worry about.
Daisy Jackson -
28th November 2021 
