Kid Cudi, Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, and Other Celebrities Pay Tribute to Virgil Abloh

Updated on 12/2/2021 at 2:00 PM

Celebrities are mourning the death of fashion icon Virgil Abloh, who died at the age of 41 after a two-year-long battle with cancer. The trailblazer's family confirmed his passing on Nov. 28. "We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend," the family said. "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."

They went on to share that Virgil had been privately battling a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma, since 2019. The statement continued: "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."

Tributes from Virgil's peers and friends have continued to pour in as loved ones reflect on the legacy of the designer, who made history as the first Black man to lead a French luxury fashion house. "Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion," Hailey Bieber wrote in an emotional Instagram post. Gigi Hadid shared a similar sentiment: "His kindness and energetic generosity left a lasting impression on every life he touched — he made everyone feel seen and special." Kid Cudi tweeted a screenshot of the last text messages he exchanged with Virgil the day before he died. "I'm glad I got to tell u how I felt about u," he wrote. "I'm happy u didn't leave here not knowing." Ahead, see how other celebrities are remembering Virgil.

Naomi Campbell

On Nov. 29, Naomi Campbell shared a lengthy tribute to Virgil on her Instagram account. "Today is not the end it's the beginning of your beautiful and young legacy," part of her statement read. "You always said you were an engineer and Architect can't wait to see what you have in store for the world .this side and the other .. . It was an honor to walk for you in your. @off____white princess Diana inspired show . . . I love you always , KEEP US RISING FROM THE OTHER SIDE REST IN POWER 🕊🕊🤍🕊🕊🙏🏾. #LIVEYOURDREAMS 📸@kloss_films @edward_enninful @britishvogue"

Serena Williams

"Words cannot express the sorrow I feel on the passing of my friend @virgilabloh," Serena expressed via Instagram. "I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to witness such greatness, such genius and to feel the warmth of his smile." She continued, "It was my honor to stand next to him. He lit up every room he walked into. May his beloved family and friends find comfort in knowing how profoundly his art impacted our culture, and us all. I will miss you."

Kim Kardashian

Sarah Jessica Parker

"I didn't know @virgilabloh well. But I had occasions to meet him, to exchange communications and always to admire his fierce talent, his humble nature, his kindness and his devotion to the work he loved," Sarah Jessica Parker wrote on Instagram. "A massive and heartbreaking loss. To his beloved family and colleagues, my sincere condolences. Gone too soon. RIP Godspeed. X, SJ"

Gigi Hadid

"I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, and a friend to the world, Virgil Abloh.
He was 1 of 1," Gigi Hadid captioned a carousel of candid photos with Virgil. "His kindness and energetic generosity left a lasting impression on every life he touched — he made everyone feel seen and special. He will be deeply missed, cherished, and celebrated by me and all the people and industries that have been lucky enough to work around & know the true supernova behind this man."

The supermodel continued, "I picture him now like our Mickey Mouse .. forever with us, forever adored, forever magical, forever guiding us with that special Virgil FUN; I'm sure that's how he wanted to be remembered, but still it will never be the same without him in the room."

Venus Williams

Venus shared a lengthy post, expressing her devastation over Virgil's unexpected death. "I always watched everything he did so closely and it inspired me to be better in everything I do. His collections literally brought me to tears because they were so connected so beautiful and so inspiring," she wrote. "I never got a chance to meet him and I wanted to at this years @themetgalaofficial . . . we didn't cross paths even though I saw him from the distance but I was caught in a conversation and when I looked up he was gone. I thought I had more time, I had no idea he didn't have more time…💔" She added, "I can't believe that he's gone. It's surreal, it feels like he's still here. I love him, always have and always will 💕💔💔"

Bella Hadid

"Woke up hoping this was a nightmare. I really can't believe it," Bella Hadid shared via Instagram. "A real friend in all of this. Best brain-stormer. A titan. What I hope is that he felt as deeply loved as he was . I miss you already brother . This hurts"

Hailey Bieber

"Virgil completely changed the way I looked at street style and fashion, the way he looked at things inspired me deeply," Hailey Bieber captioned a photo of herself wearing the wedding dress Virgil designed for her big day. "I will never be able to fully express how grateful I am to have known him and worked with him, from walking on his runways to having him design my wedding dress and all the other amazing moments in between, I felt he was always rooting for me."

She added, "He was someone who always brought life, charisma, love and fun to any situation, and every room he walked into. A once in a generation creative mind that is so rare and I'll never forget his impact. We love you Virgil. 🤍"

Cara Delevingne

"I am in shock. My heart is broken. This man has done so much for so many people. He lived his life for creation and for others in so many ways," Cara Delevingne captioned a black-and-white photo of Virgil wearing an "I Support Young Black Businesses" shirt. "I only hope that with his decision to face this battle in private, that he felt and was surrounded by all the love that the world and the people close to him felt. You will never be forgotten and you will continue to inspire so many everyday. 🤍"

Victoria Beckham

"A true inspiration in so many ways. Rest in peace @virgilabloh," fellow fashion designer Victoria Beckham wrote on Instagram. "Sending love and light to your beautiful family 🙏🏼 We will all miss you so very much x"

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LeBron James

Drake

"My plan is to touch the sky 1000 more times for you…love you eternally brother 🕊thank you for everything," Drake captioned a carousel of photos with Virgil.