It has been almost a year since the passing of Virgil Abloh and still, his loss remains heavy in the hearts of many. Friends, colleagues, designers, collaborators, and fans around the world mourned the news of the designer’s untimely loss in 2021. Abloh was a treasured part of the close-knit fashion community. From his label Off-White to his work at Louis Vuitton, where he was the first Black artistic director, Abloh took on the high demands of his job with a smile on his face. He changed the industry for the better, paving the way for the next generation of talent to innovate and disrupt the status quo.

This year, Abloh will posthumously receive the CFDA Board of Trustee’s Award for his global contribution to fashion. In recognition of this achievement, we spoke to some of Abloh’s closest industry collaborators and friends to relive their favorite memory with the fashion star.

Anna Wintour

Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue

“Virgil was extraordinary for so many reasons, but perhaps most of all for being such a unique visionary. Every collection, idea, event was an adventure; one would never know where he might take us next, but wherever it was, it was always thrilling. He had an incredible thirst for new experiences, never said no, always looked enthusiastically forward. It’s not just what he left us that we’re so lucky to have; it was the spirit and joy with which he did everything that I will remember Virgil for.”

Laurie Lynn Stark

Designer, Chrome Hearts 

“My favorite memory of Virgil remains the last-minute party I threw in Paris that he DJ’d. It was our plan to do it every ending of the fashion week. It was impromptu, and I never danced harder, I never laughed more with him that evening and it is etched on my heart. I’ll also never forget the time we spent in our studio prepping before we launched the orange denim – nothing but pure love and creative energy!”

Carine Roitfeld

Editor-in-Chief, CR Fashion Book 

“Virgil and I first met at amfAR. We bumped into each other in the very middle of the red carpet. And this is right where our friendship started. I can only think of his smile, his bright eyes, and the way he would always make you feel special and loved. We spent the night together arm-in-arm. It feels like it was yesterday, and it will last forever.”

Christine Centenera

Fashion Director, Vogue Australia, & Co-Founder, Wardrobe NYC

“One of my fondest memories of Virgil, was June 2018, backstage immediately after his debut show for Louis Vuitton Men’s in Paris. He was in tears, overwhelmed by what had just taken place. It was a powerful moment because Virgil was usually always so poised and optimistic, but not overly emotional. I remember riding in the car afterwards, leaving the show venue with him and Shannon, when he posted “You can do it too.” It wasn’t premeditated; it was a simple, encouraging message to the youth that was true. I remember Virgil being so happy at that particular moment; he had proven to the world that he was a successful designer in his own right and simultaneously was able to inspire others to reach for the stars. It captured the spirit of who he was.

Kim Jones

Artistic Director of Dior Men, & Womenswear and Haute Couture at Fendi

“Virgil has made an original world in his works. He was my friend and his strong cultural influence will last forever.”