This morning, Louis Vuitton announced that Pharrell Williams will be the brand’s next creative director for its menswear division.
The appointment fills a vacancy left by Virgil Abloh’s unexpected death in 2021, which had left a huge void for months.
“I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Creative Director,” said Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO. “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
His first collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
Williams is the second Black American to lead a design position at a European luxury house after Abloh himself.
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Since Abloh’s death, Louis Vuitton’s menswear shows have been designed by the brand’s in-house design team. In January, the brand teamed up with Colm Dillane of Kidsuper for a one-off menswear collection that debuted during Paris Fashion Week and featured a performance by Rosalía.
In addition to his music prowess, Williams has been involved with several fashion ventures, including the skateboarding-inspired shoe line Ice Cream as well as the pioneering streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club. He also has close ties to Chanel.
Prior to the announcement, rumors had been swirling that Martine Rose and Grace Wales Bonner were considered for the job at some point.
Cody is the Editor in Chief and senior contributor at liminul.
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