It was 14th February 2023, during the day of love, where, from Paris, the city of love which was probably seeing delivery trucks full of flowers rushing through the romantic French avenues and lovers planning romantic dinners for the night, came the exciting news: the man whose songs unequivocally make everyone “Happy”, Pharrell Williams, becomes the new Men’s Creative director of Louis Vuitton.
Indeed, Pharrell is very well-known for his catchy songs and music performances, but only a few might be aware that he is not new neither to the fashion industry, nor to the LVMH group. Thus, the artist already excels as a fashion designer and entrepreneur with his Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream apparel among other brands. Furthermore, he designed a line of sunglasses for Louis Vuitton in 2008, collaborated in a collection for Chanel in 2019, and then with Tiffany in 2022.
Undeniably, Pharrell’s background in the industry is already well established and rich of incredible achievements … but what was his life like before becoming the famous Pharrell Williams? Where does all this successful creativity come from? People might think that the artist studied fashion or anything related to it, though the truth is that he attended Northwest University for two years before dropping out.
We can deduct that his successful way to fashion was nothing learned in school, though it can be described as an innate drive and skill he has. Just think that in 2005, Esquire named Williams the world’s best-dressed man, praising him for “injecting dressed-up luxury into hip-hop style.” He told the publication, “It’s about comfort and flow. It’s never about whether I’m the best-dressed guy in the room. I never go, ‘Oh, I’m killin’ em tonight!’ Things just need to fit naturally. Fashion’s more about feel than science.
Doubtlessly, following his feels took him to one of the most aspirated positions in the world of fashion, hence, what novelties shall we expect coming from the brand? Indeed, it can’t be anticipated the creative touch the artist will bring to the first collection coming this June during the Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. However, we can expect his appointment to reflect the continued intersection of the luxury and streetwear sectors towards which LVMH wants to take the brand. Furthermore, this is a milestone that goes far beyond fashion, since it marks only the second time a Black American designer has held a head position at the French luxury house, after Abloh who made history as the first in March 2018.
The Maison in the announcement on social media has underlined the ability of the artist to be in line with the brand through his way of breaking boundaries across the various worlds he explores, reinforcing the values of innovation, pioneer spirit and entrepreneurship. Moreover, Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO commented on the news saying, “Pharrell’s creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Luis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter”. Should we then expect incredible changes? Well, indeed the expectations coming from everyone holding such a coveted role are big, or even huge, if the position belongs to such a renowned artist… but as he used to say in one of his lyrics My level’s too high to bring me down, well now it is the chance for him to prove it.
Giulia Borzatta
