Shannon Abloh was the wife of late fashion icon, Virgil Abloh, and has supported his career with love and family. While Virgil’s creative genius changed the fashion and design world, Shannon was crucial in supporting him behind the scenes. This article profiles Shannon Abloh, including her early life, marriage, family, and career as well as her late husband, Virgil Abloh’s, career influence and legacy.
Early Life and Background
Abloh was born Shannon Abloh in 1981, in the United States and grew up in a poor, close-knit family in Rockford, Illinois. Her early years were focused on academics and community, which gave her discipline and compassion.
Shannon graduated from Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford and dated Virgil Abloh. They bonded over shared Midwest roots and values. Furthering her education, Shannon attended high school and College at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. She got a management and marketing degree, skills she used in both her professional and personal life.
Shannon Abloh’s Marriage to Virgil Abloh
Shannon and Virgil Abloh met as teens. The pair dated for over a decade before finally marrying in 2009 in the presence of family and friends.
Family and Children
Shannon and Virgil Abloh had two children, Grey Abloh and Lowe Abloh. The couple made time for family life despite Virgil’s demanding career, often celebrating private milestones.
Virgil Abloh: Career and Achievements
Abloh was born September 30, 1980, in Rockford, Illinois, to Ghanaian immigrant parents. After receiving a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virgil earned a master of architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. His training in design and engineering gave him his multidisciplinary approach to creativity.
Virgil started as a designer and creative director, and worked with Kanye West. He was the artistic director of Kanye’s creative agency, Donda, and helped shape the visual and conceptual elements of Kanye’s music and fashion projects.
In 2012, Virgil founded Off-White, which was high fashion mixed with urban aesthetics. The brand changed fashion and made Virgil a trailblazer in the industry.
Furthermore, Virgil was the first African American named artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear division in 2018. He was a pioneer of innovation, inclusion and a willingness to cross the line between streetwear and luxury fashion.
On 28 November, 2021, Virgil Abloh died after a private battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare cancer. His death deeply affected the global creative community. Virgil’s philosophy “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself” remains a guide for aspiring designers and creatives.
Shannon Abloh’s Role in Preserving Virgil’s Legacy
Since Virgil died, Shannon Abloh has been a rock in their family and an advocate for his memory. She has worked with the Virgil Abloh ™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund supporting Black students in fashion and design. As Virgil’s legacy continues to inspire others, Shannon plays a crucial role in ensuring that his contributions to art, fashion and culture are never forgotten. Hers story is one of resilience, love the enduring power of a shared vision.
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