George Kolasa dies aged 57: Luxury fashion marketing executive who created campaigns for Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld has died of an aggressive brain tumor
- The death of 57-year-old George Kolasa was announced on Instagram on Wednesday
- Kolasa was a fashion marketing executive best known for his campaign work alongside Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld
Fashion marketing executive George Kolasa has died at the age of 57 from an aggressive brain tumor, his family and friends announced Wednesday night.
The manager, who worked on big campaigns for designers like Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld, suffered from glioblastoma multiforme, a rare brain tumor.
“It is with broken hearts that we share the news of George’s death,” read a tribute post. “He left as he lived – in peace, love, light, gratitude and with Justin by his side.”
Under the post were quick tributes from some of the celebrities and big names he had worked with, including Tracee Ellis Ross and Sophia Bush.
“Sending so much love. May you rest in peace,” Ross wrote. “Deepest condolences and love,” Bush said.
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 executive George Kolasa has died at the age of 57 from an aggressive brain tumor, his family and friends announced Wednesday night
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 death went on to say that the manager, who worked with Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger, has a goal to beat rare cancers.
“GEORGE WILLIAM KOLASA – YOU RAISED US ALL HIGHER,” read the caption. “George wanted nothing more than to continue his mission to fight rare cancers.”
Kolasa’s family and friends are asking the mourners to make a donation to Team George Kolasa for the Cycle For Survival in lieu of flowers.
The event is an indoor cycling event aimed at raising awareness of rare cancers.
In a separate Instagram post on Wednesday, Kolasa’s husband Justin Tarquinio said he was “lucky” to have loved the fashion exec.
“My dearest George… how lucky I am that you chose me,” he wrote.
“Your love for one another is inspiring.” “We will always remember the long days spent carefree at the beach,” Bravo’s Andy Cohen replied in a comment.
“And how lucky we all were to witness your love, your boundless love,” wrote Evan Ross Katz.
In addition to supporting Tarquinio’s post, Cohen shared a message on his own Instagram dedicated to the late fashion worker.
“Life is so precious.” I feel like George was accidentally taken out of line and showed us all what it’s like to live with courage and light. “He set a fine example,” he wrote in part.