Epic. Next level. Transformational. These were the minimum expectations placed on Pharrell Williams’ highly anticipated first Menswear Collection at Louis Vuitton, which took place on June 20th.
Following his appointment last February, there was a sense of curiosity and intrigue surrounding the Virginian-born music star and producer’s foray into the world of luxury fashion. Stepping into the role previously held by the late Virgil Abloh, Pharrell had big shoes to fill.
However, Pharrell’s creative vision and undeniable talent made him a worthy successor. With an impressive track record of 11 Grammy Awards and a portfolio of hit songs produced for some of the biggest names in the industry, he brought a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the table.
The anticipation was palpable. What would Pharrell bring to the table? How would he make his mark on the prestigious Louis Vuitton brand?
Pharrell’s answer was clear: create a knockout show. And that’s exactly what he did.
The iconic Pont Neuf Bridge, the oldest in Paris and located near the LVMH headquarters, served as the backdrop for the event. Accompanied by the powerful voices of the Voices of Fire gospel choir and surrounded by a star-studded audience including Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Zendaya, Pharrell created a creative and spiritual homecoming. It was a moment that seamlessly blended the past and the present, entertainment and high-end retail.
Pharrell’s collection showcased his unique style, ranging from crisp collegiate formality to relaxed hip hop urbanity. The themes explored in the collection expanded the Louis Vuitton vision, with the sun symbolizing equality and unity reflected in a warm and all-encompassing color palette. Varsity jackets paid homage to Pharrell’s formative years at Prince Anne High School in Virginia, while the LVERS logo cleverly merged Louis Vuitton’s initials with the popular ‘Virginia is for Lovers’ tourist slogan. The collection also featured Damoflage, a digitalized fusion of the iconic Damier logo and urban camouflage apparel.
The result was an eclectic and warmly embracing collection that exuded luxury without being overly haute. It was modern yet had a sense of familiarity, like a gathering of family, both in the universal and personal sense.
As the models exited the runway and the stars and fashionistas left with expressions of awe and admiration, it became clear that this show was about more than just clothes. It was a stage setter, a statement of intent.
Pharrell’s debut collection at Louis Vuitton marked the beginning of a new chapter, and if we know Pharrell, we can expect more groundbreaking and innovative creations to come. For now, we’ll revel in the beauty of his latest song, knowing that there is much more to come from this visionary artist.