Photo: Getty Images
Pharrell Williams has been named the new creative director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear line, succeeding Virgil Abloh. The announcement was made by the French Luxury fashion brand, on Tuesday, while describing the singer as “a visionary whose creative universes expand from music to art, and to fashion”
Abloh, who was the artistic director of menswear at Vuitton until November 2021, was taken away by cancer.
Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s chairman and CEO, said that Williams, who has been a collaborator with Louis Vuitton dating 2004, will debut his first collection during men’s fashion week in Paris this June. “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home,” said Beccari in a press release.
The move comes as a little surprise to many, as Williams is professionally not a fashion designer but a musician. However, his appointment is a reflection of the changing times, as major fashion houses are increasingly turning to celebrities to boost their brand image and no one fits the cap quite like Williams.
Critics have suggested that the move is a desperate attempt by Louis Vuitton to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of fashion.
View this post on Instagram
The Man Behind the Music
One thing is certain – Pharrell Williams is no ordinary musician. His impact on the music industry over the past three decades has been immense, with creative projects ranging from leading hip-hop, pop, and R&B acts to producing music for some of the biggest films of the 21st century. He’s also won several awards throughout his career, including 11 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy Awards, and a Golden Globe.
With little experience in fashion beyond what is known, his appointment to the luxury fashion house may come off as a surprise. Most wouldn’t expect a fashion house to include a musician in their list of Creative Directors, but that’s exactly why his appointment is so daring. By bringing in someone from outside the conventional fashion world, Louis Vuitton is taking a risk that may well pay off. They want to move away from the norms and break stereotypes, and Pharrell Williams is certainly part of this.
The Creative Vision
Another thing is clear – Pharrell Williams comes with a full array of creative visions and ideas. Louis Vuitton has tapped into the creativity of someone who has been a powerhouse of artistic expression and innovation. As their new Creative Director, he will be involved in the planning of the entire creative direction of the brand, including communications and collaborations.
It is clear that the intention of Louis Vuitton is to push the boundaries of traditional fashion and to create something truly unique and interesting. This is evident in their past collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami and Stephen Sprouse, which saw the creation of products such as bags and fragrances. It is also clear that Pharrell Williams’ creative vision will go a long way in creating something iconic for the fashion house.
