By Hannah Hughes
This past month, Pharrell Williams was named the new Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton, and no, he’s not Frontin’ (if you know, you know). His creative talent has taken many forms over the years, and he is most notably known for his work as a record producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter. You may remember his hit song “Happy,” or his work with Britney Spears, Tyler the Creator, or Miley Cyrus. He has even written music for movies like Despicable Me. Pharrell’s brilliance knows no bounds; he is the epitome of creativity, making him perfect for this position with Louis Vuitton. Clearly, Pharrell has range, so conquering the haute couture world next makes sense.
As one of the wealthiest rappers in the world, Pharrell may be most recognized for his impact on the music industry, but his contributions to the fashion industry have also earned him icon status. Pharrell has worked on collaborations with Adidas, Chanel, Moncler, and many other luxury fashion labels, including Louis Vuitton, in 2004 and 2008. Pharrell also owns his clothing lines, Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys Club. In his new position as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director, Pharrell’s full-range, visionary creativity, and industry experience should take the house’s menswear collections to the next level. Pharrell’s first collection will debut during men’s fashion week in Paris this June.
Louis Vuitton brands itself as a cultural maison or a house of artistic couture. As someone who draws inspiration from everything, Pharrell’s creative capacity coincides with the brand’s mission to ignite imagination and wonderment of the world through its clothing. Pharrell certainly brings culture to the table with his long list of entertainment endeavors and experiences, which will only strengthen the brand’s story.
Pharrell certainly has big shoes to fill as he succeeds the late Virgil Abloh in the Men’s Creative Director role for Louis Vuitton. Abloh worked in the position for four years, but in this short time, he broke boundaries and gave ordinary things extraordinary meaning. His impact reached far and wide, as did adoration for Abloh throughout the fashion industry. Abloh and Pharrell had a well-established relationship and respected each other in the industry. Abloh even honored Pharrell with Louis Vuitton in his first fashion show through the millionaire sunglasses. Pharrell’s work as Creative Director will undoubtedly pay homage to Abloh’s work.
Pharrell has always been a trendsetter no matter the industry, and now the whole world will be watching to see how he pushes his creative limits as Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton. June cannot come soon enough.
