The creative world of fashion has been rocked by the sudden passing of American designer Virgil Abloh, who died on Sunday (November 28).

Abloh was privately battling an undisclosed cancer, according to global fashion conglomerate, Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH).

LVMH, in a tweet, said the 41-year-old’s untimely death has come as a shock.

“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,” LVMH tweeted.

“We are all shocked after this terrible news. 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,” chairman Bernaud Arnault was quoted as saying.

Most recently, Abloh secured a coveted partnership with Mercedes-Benz on its new line of electric Maybach. He has been a staple in the fashion industry, having conceptualised looks for celebrities including Serena Williams, Billie Eilish, Kid Cudi and Travis Scott.

The father of two was a celebrated DJ and entrepreneur, who has been artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection since March 2018.

Abloh is also the chief executive officer of the Milan-based label Off-White, a fashion house he founded in 2012.

LVMH acquired 60 per cent majority stake in Off-White in July 2021, but Abloh retained a 40 per cent interest and continued as the brand’s creative director up until his death.

The designer is survived by his wife Shannon, children Lowe and Grey, sibling Edwina, as well as parents Nee and Eunice Abloh.