Gone but never forgotten: Virgil Abloh's sudden passing marked a major loss in the fashion world. But the legendary designer's legacy is bound to live on forever. Less than 48 hours after the tragic news first broke, Louis Vuitton lit up the sky in a tribute like no other. Here's what went down.
On November 30, celebs and fellow designers gathered for the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2022 Men's show in Maritime Marina. But the timing was anything but random. "We at Louis Vuitton will proudly continue to celebrate [Virgil's] legacy with a final show... per his wishes," Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton's Chairman and CEO, explained of their tribute for the former creative director.
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Sure enough, spectators arrived at the secret venue, greeted by a massive statue of Mr. Abloh at the entrance. Stars like Rihanna, Kimye, and A$AP Rocky took to their seats as models suddenly appeared on the dimly lit catwalk to unveil Abloh's final line. From oversized parkas to sparkling suits, the celebrated collection was as colorful and carefully curated as the life he led.
Safe to say, Virgil's mark on the runway was undeniable. And his final show captured just that: as the collection neared its end, the words "Virgil was here" suddenly dangled above the catwalk in glistening lights as the visionary's designs came to life below.
After bringing the show to a close, members of the Louis Vuitton team took to the stage to bid a tearful farewell. A massive monitor, featuring a clip of the smiling designer, appeared alongside them for a touching message: "Life is so short that you can't even waste a day subscribing to what someone thinks you can do, versus what you can do," Virgil was seen saying, a perfect takeaway to a sad but touching night.
Check out the Louis Vuitton tribute in full here. He might be gone, but Abloh's impact on and off the runway will, no doubt, live on forever.
