American musician, producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams has been appointed as the new creative director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s collections. Williams takes the place of Virgil Abloh, who died in November 2021.
This was previously revealed by the Wall Street Journal, which reported in its columns that Louis Vuitton was “in negotiations to hire Pharrell Williams,” citing some “people familiar with the matter.” Contacted by AFP, luxury giant LVMH initially declined to comment. The official announcement came with a tweet on the French fashion house’s account: “Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome Pharrell as Men’s Creative Director. His first collection for Louis Vuitton will be presented next June during men’s fashion week in Paris». CEO Pietro Beccari later commented: «I am delighted that Pharrell is joining the Maison as the new menswear artistic director, following the collaborations he created for Louis Vuitton between 2004 and 2008. His creative vision outside of fashion will no doubt lead Louis Vuitton into an exciting new chapter.”
The Louis Vuitton style office has overseen the men’s collections since the death of the American Virgil Abloh, the first black designer to hold a position at this level in a European luxury house. Pharrell Williams’ appointment is consistent with the legacy of Virgil Abloh, an eclectic artist who has become a fashion icon with his blend of streetwear and luxury. An approach shared by Pharrell Williams who, like the designer, has a passion for skateboarding, the world of art and music. Born in Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States, Pharrell Williams, 49 years old and 10 million subscribers on Twitter, has forged numerous collaborations in fashion, notably with Japanese Nigo, who was also recently appointed artistic director of Kenzo the group LVM extension. Always on the front row of fashion shows, he has also contributed to the creation of eyewear for Vuitton and collaborated with Adidas on the Superstar and Stan Smith sneakers.