Pharrell Williams Steps into the Spotlight as Louis Vuitton's Men's Creative Director
Pharrell Williams Inspired Sweatshirt
Louis Vuitton has appointed Pharrell Williams as their new Men's Creative Director, following the death of Virgil Abloh, the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton. Williams, who is a singer, songwriter, rapper, producer, designer, and philanthropist, has previously collaborated with Louis Vuitton in the early aughts on sunglasses and jewelry. His first collection will be revealed in June during Men's Fashion Week in Paris. Williams is an experienced luxury brand collaborator, having worked with Moncler, Adidas Originals, Tiffany & Company, and Chanel, among others. He is also the co-founder of Billionaire Boys Club and has recently launched a skincare and wellness company, Humanrace. Williams is replacing Abloh, who rose to prominence as the creative director for the rapper Kanye West, before founding the haute streetwear label Off-White, and joining Louis Vuitton in 2018. Abloh was renowned for breaking boundaries as one of few Black designers leading a luxury fashion house, and for reinventing the role of a creative director with a focus on social progress. The appointment of Williams has been cheered by many on social media, though some have criticized the decision to replace Abloh with a celebrity rather than a younger designer with formal training. Nevertheless, Williams is a style icon who has been a cultural global icon over the past two decades, with a creative vision that extends beyond fashion.