In a surprising move, Louis Vuitton has announced the appointment of Pharrell Williams as the new Men’s Creative Director. This position had been empty since the death of Virgil Abloh in 2021. Williams’ first collection will debut this June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
“Pharrell Williams is a visionary whose creative universes span music, art, and fashion – establishing himself as a cultural, worldwide phenomenon over the past 20 years,” the premium label said in a statement.
A Return to Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton’s newly appointed Chairman and CEO, Pietro Beccari, expressed his enthusiasm about Pharrell William’s return to the brand in a statement, citing the artist’s “creative vision beyond fashion” that will certainly usher in a new and exciting chapter for the luxury brand.
Beccari also highlighted Williams’ previous collaborations with Louis Vuitton in 2004 and 2008, when he created a sunglasses collection with then-Creative Director Marc Jacobs. This return to the brand marks a significant moment for both Louis Vuitton and Williams, as the artist’s creative influence will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the brand’s future.
A Fashion Fan Favorite and Pioneer
Pharrell Williams is a well-known figure in the fashion industry, having won the CFDA fashion icon award in 2015. His impact on style as we know it can’t be understated. He’s a pioneer of the gender-neutral clothing moment and has shifted people’s perception of what hip-hop style could be.
He appeared on the cover of GQ in 2019 wearing a ballgown puffer, was the first man to star in a Chanel ad in 2017, and owns a truly envy-inducing number of pieces from Phoebe Philo’s time at Céline.
A New Era for
Williams’ appointment is one of Pietro Beccari’s first big moves as the new Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO. With an emphasis on creating major pop culture moments, LVMH’s priorities appear to be shifting. Pharrell’s influence has already made a viral hit for Louis Vuitton indirectly. The most recent men’s show featured Spanish flamenco pop sensation Rosalía playing songs from her record-breaking album Motomami, which was produced in part by Pharrell.
Pharrell Williams is no stranger to LVMH, the French luxury conglomerate that owns Louis Vuitton. With the appointment of the Japanese producer and designer Nigo as creative director of LVMH brand Kenzo in 2021, it seems that LVMH’s priorities have shifted towards creating major pop culture moments.
A New Chapter
Pharrell’s Instagram page reset signals a fresh start for the musician and the French luxury brand. As the new Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton, fans are eager to see what Williams has in store for his first collection, set to debut during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris in June.
This move by Pharrell is not the first time an artist has taken such a step ahead of a new release. Starting a new can be seen as a metaphor for the beginning of a new chapter in the artist’s life and career.
Summary
Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has announced the appointment of Pharrell Williams as its new Men’s Creative Director. This position has been vacant since the death of Virgil Abloh in 2021. Williams is known for his creative contributions to the music, art, and fashion industry, making him a global phenomenon.
Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO have welcomed Williams back to the brand, saying that the artist’s “creative vision beyond fashion” will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton into a new and exciting chapter.
Williams has already collaborated with the brand in the past, which marked a significant moment for both the brand and the artist. Louis Vuitton’s priorities appear to be shifting towards creating major pop culture moments, and Pharrell’s appointment is one of Beccari’s first major moves.
A new chapter for both the brand and the artist is about to begin, with Williams’ first collection set to debut in June 2023 during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.