Pharrell Williams took on the role of creative director for Louis Vuitton Menswear on Valentine's Day, and he believes it was no coincidence. In an interview with WWD on June 19, he expressed his deep connection to the brand, stating, “LV is for Louis Vuitton, but it's also for lovers. Lovers of the moment, lovers of detail, lovers of this time, and people who want to squeeze the best out of life, down to the last drop.”
Williams, already renowned as a music producer, rapper, and singer with an impressive collection of 13 Grammy Awards, has been steadily making his mark in the fashion industry since the early 2000s. Collaborating with brands like Adidas, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., he has become a true fashion icon. Who could forget the hat he wore in 2014, which became an internet sensation?
On June 20, 2023, the world got a glimpse of Pharrell Williams' vision for Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring 2024 on the iconic Pont Neuf in Paris. And it was nothing short of spectacular. The collection showcased a high school theme, with uniforms adorned in the signature LV Damier checkerboard pattern. The checkerboard pattern appeared in various colors and even took the form of pixelated camo, playfully named “Damoflage.”
The runway featured different school stereotypes, with preppy academics in sharp suits and ties, jocks in varsity jackets and stylish tracksuits with pearl piping, and band leaders in cropped maroon coats paired with matching berets. Not to be overlooked were the effortlessly cool “I woke up like this” slackers who strutted their stuff in oversized Louis Vuitton animal slippers.
While the collection may have seemed like a collage of styles, the prevailing theme, as Williams intended, was love and joy. The phrase “LV is for Lovers” adorned bags and jackets, and a passionate gospel choir performed one of Williams' original songs celebrating the power of joy. The audience exuded love and appreciation for the show. The guest list read like a who's who of the entertainment industry, rivaling the Met Gala. Beyoncé, in a stunning custom yellow ensemble, took a break from her Renaissance tour to attend.
Rihanna proudly showcased her pregnant belly in denim Damoflage, while Zendaya shimmered in a sequined two-piece. Kim Kardashian rocked Louis Vuitton athleisure, ready for the gym. And the star-studded support continued with Jay-Z, A$AP Rocky, LeBron James, Tyler The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Jared Leto, Naomi Campbell, and Lenny Kravitz all showing up to rally behind Pharrell.
We've gathered some of our favourite looks from Pharrell Williams' Louis Vuitton debut, both on and off the runway, in case you missed it.
