Frank Ocean shares tribute to late friend Virgil Abloh
Frank Ocean & Virgil Abloh at the 2021 Met Gala in New York City (Instagram: @blonded, 2021-09-13).
Virgil Abloh, creator of the fashion label Off-White and head of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, passed away at 41 on November 28, 2021, following a two-year battle with cancer. Following the announcement, Frank Ocean took to Instagram to pay tribute to his departed friend, posting a note alongside a recent photo of them together at the 2021 Met Gala. In the letter, Ocean shares his memories of Abloh, whom he describes as “family,” including a kind gesture he did for his late brother, Ryan Breaux. The eulogy is transcribed below.
In 2018, I believe it was, I called V and asked him how it was possible to play hundreds of shows a year and do numerous fashion collections a year and be a father and a husband and return everyone’s texts with enthusiasm and emojis and encouragement, and seemingly, with ease. I cannot remember how he responded verbatim, but I’m sure it was quotable, whatever he said. He was always quotable. But the gist of his response was that he was interested in living and living to the maximum extent of his level, which proved to be impossible today because he was beyond.
I’ll miss you. When Ryan [Breaux] went to his prom, you got him some pieces from your new collection at [Louis Vuitton], and he was geeked. Couldn’t get him to take it off. When I went to Miami, and you played a set on the beach in 2016, you played White Ferrari—a song with no drums or bass anywhere to be found lol—and started a sing-along. When I played you demos of shit I was working on or showed you Homer way before it was ready, you put the battery in my back. When my brother passed, I never said anything because it was way too much, but he loved you and really looked up to you. He was going to fashion school and everything. He wanted to be a designer. My family was proud of you, like you were our family. I know grief is love that you don’t get to express, so this is an attempt at expressing it. Love you V. You’re a hero.
Abloh’s family announced his passing through an Instagram post on November 28, which read:
We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh & Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee & Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.
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.
Virgil Abloh. September 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021.
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