Pharrell Williams' Second Collection At Louis Vuitton Showcases Americana And Native American Spirit

PARIS (AP) — Wild West meets melting pot America at Louis Vuitton's fall-winter 2024 men's fashion show on Tuesday, where musician and designer Pharrell Williams unveiled his highly anticipated second collection.

The show, held in front of the dramatic silhouette of the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, masterfully channeled Americana, with Native American designs mixed with modern luxury, showcasing Williams' unique vision for the powerhouse.

A model wears a creation for Louis Vuitton as part of the Fall-Winter 2024-2025 men's ready-to-wear collection, presented in Paris on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Celebrity guests including Bradley Cooper, Omar Sy and Carey Mulligan gathered to witness a boulder-strewn landscape reminiscent of the rugged landscape of an idealized America. The collection itself was a vibrant tribute to the American spirit and reflected the famous confidence of Williams – a celebrated music star who is a newcomer to fashion design at this level.

The designs emphasized loose proportions and reflected a modern take on classic American silhouettes. Models – male and female – strutted down the runway in leather cowboy hats, cowhide suitcases and plaid denim jackets with bull badges, their cowboy boots tipped with shiny metal tips. Rodeo jackets shimmered with intricate embroidery, showcasing the luxurious craftsmanship synonymous with LVMH's own brand.

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Models wear creations for Louis Vuitton as part of the Fall-Winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear men's collection, presented on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

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Models wear creations for Louis Vuitton as part of the Fall-Winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear men's collection, presented on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

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Models wear creations for Louis Vuitton as part of the Fall-Winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear men's collection, presented on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The show highlighted the stunning Vegas-style suits – jackets with shimmering stripes paired with flared trousers that exuded an energy reminiscent of the city's legendary Strip. The collection also featured oversized jackets, including an eye-catching gangster-style fur coat, in bold reinterpretations of traditional Western clothing.

But the soul of the collection is the collaboration with artists from the Dakota and Lakota Nation, a partnership that is evident in intricate designs on scarves, bags and blankets with floral and geometric patterns that tell stories of heritage and identity.

“Pharrell wanted to highlight the Native American spirit, (…) he wanted to show that we're still here, we're still resilient,” Rebecca Brady, 54, a Native American from New Town, North Dakota, said The Associated Press.

A model wears a creation for Louis Vuitton as part of the Fall-Winter 2024-2025 men's ready-to-wear collection, presented in Paris on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Designer Pharrell Williams accepts applause after the launch of Louis Vuitton's Fall 2024-2025 ready-to-wear collection in Paris on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Beyond fashion, the event evolved into a cultural spectacle. VIP guests enjoyed Louis Vuitton-branded hamburgers over a champagne-fueled barbecue symbolizing a whimsical mix of haute couture and classic Americana. The atmosphere was further spiced up by performances by Mumford & Sons and artists from Native American nations.

Models wear creations for Louis Vuitton as part of the Fall-Winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear men's collection, presented on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The evening reached its climax when Williams himself took the stage, causing a wave of excitement in the audience.

Williams' performance showcased his artistic versatility and highlighted the unique energy he brings to the Louis Vuitton brand. The collection was a bold fusion of styles and cultures, illustrating a journey beyond fashion into a realm where art, music and cultural heritage are intertwined.