Louis Vuitton, a subsidiary of LVMH, has announced the appointment of Pharrell Williams as the new artistic director of its menswear designs.
The high-profile position was left vacant after Virgil Abloh, a renowned designer, passed over a year ago. Louis Vuitton confirmed the news in a tweet, confirming earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal and Le Figaro.
Williams, a popular figure in the music industry, will debut his first collection for Louis Vuitton in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
With 13 Grammy Awards to his name and a history of appearances as a judge on the singing competition show “The Voice,” Williams is a well-known name in the music business. He rose to fame as a producer and singer with hit songs like “Happy” and “Blurred Lines.”
In addition to his music career, Williams has extensive experience in the fashion industry.
He co-founded the label Billionaire Boys Club with Japanese designer Nigo in 2003 and has collaborated with luxury brands such as Moncler and Chanel, as well as Adidas. In 2004, he worked with Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs, designing eyewear for the brand.
The appointment of Williams is the first move by Louis Vuitton’s new CEO, Pietro Beccari, and is seen as a significant hire to fill the shoes of Virgil Abloh. Analysts at Credit Suisse note that the appointment suggests the brand’s connection to pop culture and music will continue.
Virgil Abloh, who passed away in November 2021, was a highly regarded black designer who symbolized the fusion of streetwear with high-end fashion, incorporating graffiti art and skateboard culture elements into his designs.
Since his passing, Louis Vuitton’s design studios have drawn inspiration from his work, incorporating performances from the Florida Marching 100 band, rapper Kendrick Lamar, and Spanish singer Rosalia into their runway shows.
The appointment of Pharrell Williams as Louis Vuitton’s new Men’s Creative Director is a major move for the brand. With his extensive experience in both the music and fashion industries, Williams is poised to bring a unique perspective and creative energy to the role.
The fashion world eagerly awaits his first collection for the brand, which is set to debut in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
This appointment marks a new chapter for Louis Vuitton and is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and creativity in the fashion industry.
