Virgil Abloh’s family and friends came together to celebrate the late designer’s life and legacy during a memorial service in his hometown.
The private event was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago on Monday (Dec. 6), a week since his passing, and was attended by Kanye West, Drake, Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, Kid Cudi, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and more.
The somber gathering included a eulogy from Virgil’s sister, Edwina Abloh, who spoke about her brother’s compassion and drive. “Virgil inspired multitudes to never relent and to be the best versions of themselves,” she said. “My brother was endearing and humble, yet daring and courageous. His charisma and aura resonated love and kindness to all.”
Frank Ocean attended the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago to celebrate Virgil Abloh's life pic.twitter.com/ogyd1PczPw
— (@blondednightss) December 7, 2021
Tyler, the Creator held back tears as he remarked over Virgil’s ability to unite people from all walks of life. “All these different people—colors, ages, backgrounds, religions—all came for one man. That’s what he did. He brought, like, the illest people together,” he said while recalling an invite he sent to Virgil just days before he passed.
Tyler, The Creator fights back tears while speaking at Virgil Abloh’s memorial. pic.twitter.com/QUUPj5yCMi
— Drama For The Girls (@dramaforthegirl) December 7, 2021
Others in attendance included Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, who were spotted arm in arm. Dressed in all black, Ms. Lauryn Hill wiped away tears as she delivered an emotional performance of “Everything Is Everything” in honor of the Louis Vuitton men’s creative director and Off-White founder.
Lauryn Hill fights back tears while performing at Virgil Abloh’s memorial. pic.twitter.com/wTC9lDSONk
— Drama For The Girls (@dramaforthegirl) December 7, 2021
Virgil passed away on Nov. 28 after a two-year battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare cancer. He was 41. Louis Vuitton presented his final fashion show during Art Basel in Miami last week.
Friends paid tribute to the fashion trailblazer on social media, including Frank Ocean and Drake, who shared a video of the plane Virgil designed for him while holding up a pin that said “Virgil was here.”
“love you g,” Drake captioned the post.