Pharrell Williams Will Fill Virgil Abloh's Louis Vuitton Creative Director Role, And He Couldn't Be A Better Fit
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Pharrell Williams has been named Louis Vuitton's new menswear creative director, effective immediately.
On February 14, LVMH shared a press release stating that Pharrell Williams will succeed Virgil Abloh as their new menswear creative director. His first collection will be released in June of this year. The global icon has been an innovative pioneer in fashion, music, and art for over 20 years. Pharrell is a highly influential fashion trendsetter, known for his daring style and unique ability to always be ahead of the curve and assemble high-end designs with current streetwear. His fashion credentials and creative palette have been on display in his collabs with Adidas, Moncler, Chanel, and more.
Pharrell has been working with Louis Vuitton since 2004.
Pharrell has a long-standing relationship with Louis Vuitton, dating back to 2004 when it's said he first designed the "millionaire" sunglasses for then Creative Director, Marc Jacobs. Virgil paid homage to Pharrell through the millionaire sunglasses with his first show at Louis Vuitton.
In 2008, Pharrell designed a fine jewelry collection entitled Blason for Louis Vuitton which encompassed exquisitely designed and diamond-filled rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
Pharrell is also the founder of BBC, Ice Cream, and Bee Line.
In 2003, Pharrell and Nigo created Billionaire Boys Club. With Pharrell's influence on American fashion and Nigo's power on Asian streetwear, the two joining together created a powerhouse brand that mixes streetwear with luxury. Stemming from the brand were other fashion labels and collaborations such as Human Made, Adidas, Comme des Garcons, and more.
"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. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton toward a new and very exciting chapter.” —Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairmen and CEO.
Louis Vuitton continuously displays their keen eye to find innovative talent who will lead the brand into new and inventive territory. They've shown their courageousness in selecting creatives who may not have experience as creative directors or roles of that stature, but they are visionaries who keep Louis Vuitton ahead of the curve and ahead of its competitors; placing more value in creativity than experience.
The announcement comes a year after Virgil Abloh's untimely passing.
When the French luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton announced Virgil Abloh as Artistic Director in 2018, they made shockwaves through the luxury fashion world and found themselves at the forefront of culture and fashion. What made Virgil such an innovative director was his ability to bridge the gap between high-end luxury designers and streetwear.
With the undeniable and obvious influence of streetwear in fashion, it was forthcoming that a streetwear designer would get a shot at one of the major fashion houses; Louis Vuitton just so happened to be the brand that took the first leap. For what he did in meshing fashion, music, art, and culture, Virgil may be the most important creative director of the last 20 years. Without him, it's not likely we'd see Pharrell step into his new role, or the likes of Rhuigi becoming Creative Director at Bally. There is a pre-Virgil era and a post-Virgil era; this is the beginning of the post-era.
I love this interview with Pharrell and Virgil.
Pharrell has a long history with luxury fashion houses such as Moncler and Chanel.
Watch a full breakdown of Pharrell's history in fashion.
Do you think Pharrell will make for a great creative director at Louis Vuitton? Let me know in the comments below!
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