Nike also released a statement in which it pays tribute to the creative genius of Virgil Abloh.
“It is with immense sorrow that we learn of the passing of Virgil Abloh. Part of the Nike, Jordan, and Converse family since 2016, Virgil has always passionately questioned the status quo, advancing a new vision and inspiring present and future generations. But in addition to being an extraordinarily prolific collaborator, colleague, and creative, Virgil was a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. And we are honored to be able to consider him part of our family. To everyone who knew him, we extend our deepest condolences. We will miss you, Virgil.”
But how did the collaboration between Nike and Virgil Abloh come about? It was Virgil who told it in an interview a few years ago.
During a fashion show of his brand, Abloh brought an Umbro sneaker on the catwalk, sparking a dialogue between Fraser Cooke (senior director of Nike’s special projects) and Arthur Kar (a childhood friend of Virgil Abloh). The Nike representative wondered with great amazement why there was such a shoe in that place, and the other answered with a sarcastic question: “None of you has yet proposed to him to design a sneaker?” It was at that moment that the consideration of a collaborative collection came to life
