Luxurious fashion company Louis Vuitton announced music producer Pharrell Williams as its new Men’s Creative Director on Feb. 14.
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“I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Creative Director,” Louis Vuitton’s CEO, Pietro Beccari, said in the fashion brand’s press release. “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
Williams is experienced in the fashion industry, owning brands like Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream apparel. The “Happy” singer has also attended numerous fashion events, especially those put together by Chanels’ Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard, whose latest cultural fashion show took place in West Africa in December, which Williams attended.
In 2004, Williams collaborated with Louis Vuitton’s former creative director Marc Jacobs and fashion designer NIGO to create LV’s Millionaire sunglasses.
The creative director position was initially filled by well-known fashion designer Virgil Abloh, the fashion brand’s first Black creative director. Abloh died in 2021 after battling cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare yet aggressive form of cancer. As the creative director, Abloh brought a fresh and younger demographic to Louis Vuitton, creating collections that acknowledge the Black culture and social justice.
He also brought streetwear to the fashion brand and made way for the next generation of fashion designers.
With the “Beautiful” songwriter in the creative driving seat, Williams can continue Abloh’s legacy and portray the Black culture through the company’s content, from the clothes and fashion shows to marketing.
This summer (June) at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris, Williams will release his first collection since assuming the men’s creative director role.
Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome @Pharrell as its new Men’s Creative Director. His first collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. #LouisVuitton #PharrellWilliams pic.twitter.com/GRCQFfOAHK
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) February 14, 2023