Louis Vuitton, the French luxury fashion house, has announced that American musician, record producer, and designer Pharrell Williams will take over as its men’s creative director, succeeding Virgil Abloh.
According to a statement from the fashion house, Williams’ appointment is effective immediately, and his first collection will be unveiled during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris in June.
Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s chairman and CEO, expressed his delight at welcoming Williams back to the brand, after their previous collaborations in 2004 and 2008. Beccari praised Williams’ creative vision, which he believes will lead the company towards a new and exciting chapter, beyond the traditional confines of the fashion industry.
The appointment follows the death of Abloh in November 2021, who was the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton. Abloh is credited with bringing a younger demographic to the brand with his streetwear-inspired designs. Williams’ appointment ends months of speculation about who would replace Abloh.
Williams, a 13-time Grammy winner, is renowned for his music career, but he also has an impressive fashion resume. He co-founded streetwear label Billionaire Boys Club in 2003 and has worked with several luxury brands, including Tiffany & Co., Moncler, and Adidas. His personal style, which often pushes boundaries, has made headlines, and he is frequently seen in the front rows of fashion shows.
Like Abloh, Williams’ creativity transcends different disciplines. He has recently been involved in a hotel project in the Bahamas and released a portable cutlery set during the pandemic to reduce single-use plastic waste.
It remains to be seen how he will apply his skillset to his new role at Louis Vuitton, but the industry’s response to the news on social media suggests that his first show this summer will be a must-see event.