‘Virgil was here’: Louis Vuitton fashion show in Miami turns into memorial for designer
“Virgil was here.”
Louis Vuitton’s menswear fashion show at Marine Stadium in Virginia Key turned into a beautiful memorial Tuesday night. The iconic French brand’s artistic director Virgil Abloh died at 41 of a rare cancer on Sunday, and hundreds packed the stadium to pay homage.
Well-heeled guests were treated to a light show that spelled out the words “Virgil is here,” as well as to a firework display, a Kid Cudi concert and a dramatic launch of a red hot-air balloon emblazoned with the “LV” logo.
Kim Kardashian and her estranged husband Kanye West, a frequent collaborator of Abloh’s, reunited for the occasion, bringing along daughter North.
Kardashian posted a tribute to the Illinois-born designer on Instagram: “God doesn’t make mistakes,” wrote the reality star after his passing. “I know that but I still can’t help but ask why...Virgil, you were always so gentle, kind and calm. You somehow made time for everyone. We also talked about your superpower of calmness often. You always gave so much of yourself to the world because you wanted it to be doper. This one is hard to process.”
The flashy event was a celebration of the opening of Louis Vuitton’s first dedicated men’s store in the United States, in the Design District. The VIP soiree, in which people were shuttled by boat to the space, also featured a fashion show with special guest Offset. The rapper’s wife Cardi B is also in town, though was not seen there. The “WAP” singer will be hosting a party to introduce the world to Whipshots, a vodka-flavored whipped cream, in Miami Beach Saturday night.
For a livestream of all the LV action, go to lifestyleasia.com or to Louis Vuitton’s digital platforms, including YouTube channel or Instagram.
