Off-White stores across the globe are filled with flowers in tribute to Virgil Abloh

Over the last week, tributes have been flooding in from the creative world as it continues to mourn the passing of trailblazing Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton artistic director Virgil Abloh. And now, in commemoration of his life and legacy, Off-White stores across the globe have paid respects to its founder and CEO by swapping its products and clothing with a display of colourful flora – from tropical leaves to rose buds and thistles. The stores are located across Milan, London, Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul, Miami, New York and Tokyo.

The tribute is reminiscent of Off-White’s Spring/Summer 2020 menswear show in Paris, during which Virgil presented his controversial set mounted with a bed of white carnations. It was decked in “Virgil Abloh charisma,” says Now Fashion in its coverage, and “shook up the entire audience” – proving the courage and impact that the heavyweight had (and still has) on the industry.

“In a world where kindness is rare, where hierarchies still carry weight and where fashion can change the rules but sometimes ends up creating new ones, there was you,” writes the Off-White team on one of its Instagram posts. “You changed the system with your genius, your humility and your authenticity. You led by example. You taught and inspired millions of young people and filled our days with the energy and optimism of those who want to change the world for the better. Your extended family is heartbroken. We will miss you, Virgil. Your words constantly inspired us and gave us the courage to dare, to dream, to create. We’ll miss your WhatsApp messages, your laugh, your pure soul. We love you, Virgil.”

Virgil was privately battling his cancer diagnosis and sadly died at the age of 41 on 28 November. His impact has been heartfelt across the world, and his momentous work ethic and impact will continue to make waves for years to come. “Virgil was a genius, a visionary but most of all he was family,” shares Davide De Giglio and Andrea Grilli, New Guards Group founders on the Off-White’s Instagram. “There are no words to describe the loss that his passing leaves in our lives. His legend, his love and his spirit will remain with us forever. Thank you for changing our lives, Virgil, Rest in power, brother.”