George Kolasa dead at 57: Luxury fashion marketing executive who created campaigns for Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld dies of aggressive brain tumor
George Kolasa dead at 57: Luxury fashion marketing executive who created campaigns for Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld dies of aggressive brain tumor
- The passing of George Kolasa, 57, was announced on Instagram on Wednesday
- Kolasa was a fashion marketing executive best known for his work with campaigns alongside Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld
Fashion marketing manager George Kolasa has died at the age of 57 from an aggressive brain tumor, his family and friends announced on Wednesday evening.
The director who worked on major campaigns for designers such as Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld had glioblastoma multiforme, a rare brain cancer.
“It is with a broken heart that we share the news of George’s passing,” one tribute read. “He left as he lived – in peace, love, light, gratitude and with Justin by his side.”
Tributes quickly poured in under the mail from some of the celebrities and notable names he had worked with, including Tracee Ellis Ross and Sophia Bush.
Sending so much love. May you rest in peace,” Ross wrote. “Sincere condolences and love,” Bush shared.
Kolasa was diagnosed in February 2022 and documented his battle with glioblastoma on his Instagram in the months leading up to his death.
Fashion marketing manager George Kolasa has died at the age of 57 from an aggressive brain tumor, his family and friends announced on Wednesday evening.
Kolasa was diagnosed in February 2022 and documented his battle with glioblastoma on his Instagram in the months leading up to his death
The Instagram announcement of his passing went on to say that the executive who worked with Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger had a goal to beat rare cancers.
“GEORGE WILLIAM KOLASA – YOU TAKE US ALL HIGHER,” shared the caption. “George wanted nothing more than to continue his mission to beat rare cancers.”
Kolasa’s family and friends are asking that mourners can make a donation in lieu of flowers Team George Kolasa for the Cycle For Survival.
The event is an indoor cycling event that aims to raise awareness for rare forms of cancer.
In a separate Instagram post on Wednesday, Kolasa’s husband Justin Tarquinio said he was “lucky” to love the fashion director.
“My dear George… how lucky I am that you have chosen me,” he wrote.
Your love for each other is inspiring. We will always cherish the long days we spent carefree on the beach,” Bravo’s Andy Cohen said in a comment.
“And how fortunate that we all witnessed your love, your boundless love,” wrote Evan Ross Katz.
In addition to offering support on Tarquinio’s post, Cohen also shared a post on his own Instagram dedicated to the late fashion worker.
‘Life is so precious. I feel like George was picked at random from the line and showed us all what it’s like to live with courage and light. He set a wonderful example,” he wrote in part.