The late fashion designer Virgil Abloh had left behind a legacy this year when he died of cancer at 41. Though he was born and raised in America, Abloh never let go of his Ghanian roots. He incorporated African prints, cuts, and materials into his designs. He stood out not just because of the color of his skin but because of his unique approach to the design world.

For decades, the fashion industry has constantly been viewed for its lack of diversity. With predominantly white designers in the industry, it's believed that people of color would seldom survive or be successful in it. However, Virgil Abloh was appointed as the head designer of the menswear collection for Louis Vuitton, which gave everyone hope. He served as a reminder that Black people can succeed in the fashion industry at a high level.

Virgil Abloh was the first Black designer appointed in an artistic directorial role for a major fashion label. Hence, it is safe to say that he had quite a successful career as a fashion designer. Off-White, his label, was quite popular, which further encouraged other Black people to enter the fashion industry. For example, he was the first designer to bring the traditional fabric worn in Ghana, 'Kente,' to the catwalks of Louis Vuitton. He showed that anyone could be the creative manager of significant fashion labels regardless of where they come from and their skin color. He essentially inspired a new generation of designers from various walks of life.

Besides being one of the most influential designers in the fashion industry, Virgil Abloh was also a DJ artist and held degrees in architecture and civil engineering. But perhaps what allowed him to be so successful in the fashion industry was his ability to create unique pieces that reflected his roots. He could channel creativity from his own identity, making his works striking, unforgettable, and connecting with many. He allowed the mass integration of various marginalized communities into fashion and has left an indelible mark in the industry for which he will always be remembered.