George Kolasa dead at 57: Luxury fashion marketing executive who created campaigns for Ralph Lauren
Fashion marketing executive George Kolasa has died at the age of 57 from an aggressive brain tumor, his family and friends announced Wednesday evening.
The executive who worked on major campaigns for designers like Ralph Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld had a glioblastoma multiforme, a rare brain cancer.
'It is with a broken heart that we share the news of George's passing,' an announcement on Kolasa's Instagram said. 'He left as he lived — in peace, love, light, gratitude and with Justin by his side.'
Tributes quickly rolled in under the post from some of the celebrities and notable names he had worked with including actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Sophia Bush.
'Sending so much love. May you rest in peace,' wrote Ross. 'Deepest condolences and love,' shared Bush.
Kolasa was diagnosed in February 2022 and documented his fight 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 evening
Kolasa was diagnosed in February 2022 and documented his fight with glioblastoma on his Instagram in the months leading up to his death
The Instagram announcement of his passing continued by saying the executive who worked with Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger had a goal to beat rare cancers.
'GEORGE WILLIAM KOLASA – YOU HAVE LIFTED US ALL HIGHER,' the caption shared. 'George wanted nothing more than to continue his mission to beat rare cancers.'
Kolasa's family and friends are asking that in lieu of flowers, mourners should donate to Team George Kolasa for the Cycle For Survival.
The event is an indoor cycling event that aims to bring awareness to rare cancers.
In a separate Instagram post on Wednesday, Kolasa's husband Justin Tarquinio said he was 'lucky' to have loved the fashion executive.
'My dearest George….how lucky am I that you chose me,' he wrote.
'Your love for each other is inspiring. Will always treasure the long days we spent on the beach, without a care in the world,' 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 providing support on Tarquinio's post, Cohen also shared a message on his own Instagram dedicated to the late fashion worker.
'Life is so precious. I feel like George was randomly picked out of line and showed us all what it’s like to live within courage and light. He set a beautiful example,' he wrote, in part.
Kolasa (far right) with Karl Lagerfeld and Ann Acierno in 2005
Kolasa with actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth in 2008
The fashion executive alongside Roberta Armani, niece of Giorgio Armani
View this post on InstagramKolasa documented his journey with cancer on Instagram and in a three part series where he shared the ins and outs of the diagnosis.
According to an Instagram post from March 2022, Kolasa initially underwent radiation treatment for his glioblastoma.
He was initially taken to the hospital after he felt his balance was off while on a trip in Florida. Around the same time, he experienced his left side being paralyzed.
A tumor the size of a grapefruit was later discovered and doctors took a biopsy which revealed it to be malignant.
In a post from July 15, Kolasa shared a video of himself being helped by his husband to walk after sharing that he had become unable to move his own body.
Despite his grim prognosis, the fashion insider continued to share the 'good, bad, and ugly' with his 55,000 followers and friends in his fight against rare cancers.
'Transparency + Truth. This is me. In real time. I no longer can walk. I lean on Justin for my every move - literally. That’s love. True love. Lucky, lucky ME,' he shared.
'May you all be lifted by ❤️ in your life today,' he shared.
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