Louis Vuitton has made a surprising and disruptive move by appointing singer and performer Pharrell Williams as its new men’s creative director. This decision comes after the brand was left without a menswear creative director following the untimely death of Virgil Abloh in November 2021. Abloh, who was the first black designer to lead a major fashion label, left a significant void in the brand’s creative leadership, and now Williams will step into this role as the second black creative director for Louis Vuitton.
Williams has a longstanding history of collaboration with Louis Vuitton, having previously worked together in 2004 and 2008. The CEO of Louis Vuitton, Beccari, expressed his excitement for Williams’ return and stated that his creative vision goes beyond fashion and will undoubtedly lead the brand into an exciting new chapter.
Beccari himself recently returned to Louis Vuitton after spending almost a decade at the luxury brand. Prior to his return, he held positions at Fendi and Dior within the LVMH group. Williams, who is often referred to as Pharrell in Paris, will immediately assume his new role as men’s creative director and will showcase his first collection in June during the upcoming Paris menswear catwalk season.
Pharrell Williams is a well-known figure in the fashion industry and frequently attends shows in Paris. He has also served as a brand ambassador for Chanel and has even appeared in films about Coco Chanel and the house, directed by Karl Lagerfeld. Furthermore, Williams has collaborated with Japanese fashion figure Nigo, who was recently appointed as the creative director of Kenzo, another brand under the LVMH umbrella.
This decision to appoint Williams comes at a significant time for Louis Vuitton, as the brand is projected to surpass $20 billion in annual sales by 2023. It also follows a recent management reshuffle within LVMH, with Beccari transitioning from Dior to become the CEO of Louis Vuitton. Finding a successor to Abloh was one of Beccari’s top priorities, and Williams’ appointment fulfills that objective.
Since Abloh’s passing, Vuitton’s menswear collections have been developed by an in-house design team. However, in the most recent Paris menswear season, the brand collaborated with American designer Kid Super to create the collection. With Williams’ ongoing music career, careful management will be needed to ensure his dedication to Louis Vuitton.
In conclusion, Pharrell Williams’ appointment as the new men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton marks a significant moment for the brand. With his unique creative vision and previous collaborations with the brand, Williams is expected to lead Louis Vuitton into an exciting new chapter. As a prominent figure in the fashion industry, Williams’ presence at Paris fashion shows and his role as a brand ambassador for Chanel have solidified his influence and credibility. His partnership with Nigo, creative director of Kenzo, further demonstrates his ability to navigate the fashion world.
Link 1: Louis Vuitton Official Website
Link 2: Vogue Article on Pharrell Williams’ Appointment
