The shattering news of the death of Virgil Abloh yesterday made it inevitable that Monday night’s Fashion Awards in London should hold him, his work, and his example above and beyond everything else. Vogue’s Edward Enninful spoke with emotion from the stage of the Royal Albert Hall: “The shock of his passing is as fresh as it is devastating. As a leader of change, the impact of his work cannot be overstated.”
Enninful then read from the manifesto Abloh wrote to go with his Louis Vuitton menswear show last summer. “As a Black man in a French luxury house, I am well aware of my responsibilities. Rather than preaching about it, I hope to lead by example, and unlock the door for future generations. I believe in making my mark with poise, style, and grace.”
Celebrities, influencers, and a bewildering number of honoree categories apart, the spontaneous tributes to Abloh kept flowing from beginning to end. Billy Porter, emceeing excellently in a fierce array of Richard Quinn changes, struck the opening note: “Virgil was an inspiration, and it is our responsibility to honour and carry forward every loving moment he brought to this industry.” When Kim Jones stepped up to receive his Designer of the Year award for Dior Men and Fendi, he dedicated his award to Abloh, his longtime friend.
SOURCE : Vogue
