Pharrell Williams will be Louis Vuitton’s next men’s creative director
Written by Leah Dolan, CNN, Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN
American musician, record producer and designer Pharrell Williams will succeed Virgil Abloh as creative director for men at Louis Vuitton, the French luxury fashion house announced on Tuesday.
The appointment is effective immediately and his first collection will be presented in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
Commentary: Virgil Abloh broke “barriers to entry” with joy and optimism.
“I am delighted to welcome Pharrell back home as our new men’s creative director after our collaboration in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton,” said Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement. “His creative vision beyond fashion will no doubt lead Louis Vuitton into a new and very exciting chapter.”
The news comes just over a year after Abloh’s death in November 2021 at the age of 41 following a private battle with cancer.
The visionary designer’s unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the industry and beyond. As the first black artistic director of Louis Vuitton, Abloh made history upon his appointment in 2018 and was widely acclaimed for bringing a younger demographic to the storied house with designs that brought a streetwear aesthetic to the world of luxury.
Virgil Abloh at a Louis Vuitton event in Paris in 2021. Credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
News of William’s appointment puts an end to months of speculation about who would succeed Abloh.
While Williams, a 13-time Grammy winner, is better known for his music career, the 49-year-old also has a solid set of fashion credentials. He co-founded streetwear label Billionaire Boys Club with fashion designer Nigo in 2003 and has worked with a range of luxury brands including Tiffany & Co., Moncler and Adidas.
Pharrell Williams and his wife Helen Lasichanh at the 2021 Met Gala. Credit: Lexie Moreland/WWD/Penske Media/Getty Images
From a giant brown topper hat he wore to the 2014 Grammy Awards to his now signature bejeweled Tiffany sunglasses, Williams’ bold personal style often makes headlines and he’s no stranger to the front row of fashion .
Pharrell Williams and David Grutman open new resort in the Bahamas
Much like Abloh, Williams’ creativity is interdisciplinary: In early 2022, he announced he was involved in an ambitious new hotel project due to open in the Bahamas next year, and launched a portable cutlery set during the pandemic to limit consumption Single use plastic when eating outdoors.
How Williams will apply his skills to his new role at Louis Vuitton remains to be seen, but a number of industry reactions to the news on social media suggest he will have a full house at his first show this summer.
Continue reading