The musician, record producer, and designer will succeed Virgil Abloh as the luxury fashion house’s next creative director.
According to the official statement from Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams’ new role will be effective immediately.
His first collection is set to debut in June this year, during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
The announcement, posted on the brand’s socials, says that Williams is “a visionary whose creative universes expand from music to art, and to fashion – establishing himself as a cultural global icon.”
Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome @Pharrell as its new Men’s Creative Director. His first collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. #LouisVuitton #PharrellWilliams pic.twitter.com/GRCQFfOAHK
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) February 14, 2023
News of Williams’ appointment was released just a little over a year after Virgil Abloh’s death.
Other names such as Grace Wales Bonner, Martine Rose, Telfar Clemens, and KidSuper have been mentioned in speculations about Abloh’s successor.
Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari ultimately chose Williams. This was his first major move since becoming chief executive of LVMH’s flagship brand just a month ago.
Williams has been collaborating with Louis Vuitton since 2004, with a sunglass collection under the name Millionaire. Originally priced at $1,200, these shades can be found on resale sites today for up to $4,000.
Louis Vuitton appoints @Pharrell as its new Men’s Creative Director. His first collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed this June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. #LouisVuitton #PharrellWilliams pic.twitter.com/wAd3io0Ctn
— Louis Vuitton (@LouisVuitton) February 14, 2023
In 2008, he collaborated with the brand again for the Blason collection. The jewelry collection included diamond rings and a diamond bracelet.
Recently, he has also collaborated with the jeweler Tiffany & Company, which is also a part of LVMH.
His diamond-studded Tiffany & Company sunglasses, which he wore during the January men’s wear shows in Paris and the Grammys, have become an iconic look.
“His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter,” Beccari adds to the statement issued by the fashion house.
Banner image via Instagram @louisvuitton.
