Fashion lovers are mourning the death of Virgil Abloh – Louis Vuitton’s artistic director and founder of the Off-White label who has died from cancer

The 41-year-old has been described as a “genius” and a “visionary” who gained popularity after being Kanye West’s creative director and later the first African-American ever to lead Louis Vuitton.

The US designer leaves behind his wife and their two children.

In a post to his Instagram Abloh was said to be a “fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend”.

He was diagnosed with a rare cancer of the heart in 2019 and chose to keep this information private.

He underwent “numerous challenging treatments all while leading several significant institutions that span fashion, art and culture”.

The designer is highly regarded for his work ethic, infinite curiosity and optimism that “never wavered”.