"Louis Vuitton is pleased to announce Pharrell Williams as Men's Creative Director, effective immediately." That's the news that broke on Tuesday, February 14, via a press release from the luxury house.
Without an artistic director since the tragic passing of Virgil Abloh in November 2021, it took over a year for the LVMH-owned house to find a personality capable of carrying forward the modern vision of the late designer. After numerous rumors, Louis Vuitton finally put an end to the speculation by appointing the talented Pharrell Williams.
As visionary as he is creative, the darling of the fashion world is now preparing to leave his artistic mark on the Louis Vuitton Men's collection, which is about to turn a new page.
Photo Credits: @pharrell (Instagram)
While this choice may seem surprising at first glance, Pharrell Williams' appointment is far from unexpected and follows in the footsteps of Virgil Abloh's legacy, who had an extraordinary ability to blend luxury and streetwear. It's an approach the 49-year-old artist also shares through his own ventures in music, fashion and skateboarding.
Already a Vuitton partner through two notable collaborations in 2004 and 2008, Pharrell Williams has established a highly personal style that seems to reassure Louis Vuitton in its decision. "I am thrilled to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men's Creative Director. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a very exciting new chapter," said Pietro Beccari, CEO of Louis Vuitton since January.
"A Universal Cultural Icon"
Producer, hit songwriter, Pharrell Williams has also become a fashion designer and entrepreneur over time. His many talents for creating bridges between different worlds are well established in the fashion industry.
"Pharrell Williams is a visionary whose creative universes span from music to art to fashion, establishing himself as a universal cultural icon over the past twenty years. His ability to transcend boundaries between the different worlds he explores naturally aligns with Louis Vuitton's cultural dimension, reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship," the luxury house confirmed.
Photo Credits: Louis Vuitton
While the Louis Vuitton men's line had until now been developed by the in-house team in keeping with the legacy left by the first African-American designer to lead the luxury house, Vuitton called upon American designer Kid Super for the Fall-Winter 2023-24 collection, as the position had remained vacant.
Thus, the artist's visionary eye will be eagerly anticipated this coming June when he unveils his first collection "during Men's Fashion Week in Paris," Louis Vuitton stated.
One thing seems certain: Pharrell Williams' appointment will be the opportunity to unveil a new vision for the luxury house, and this collection will be highly anticipated at the next Fashion Week.