Virgil Abloh‘s role as Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative designer will be given to Pharrell Williams. The French luxury house made the announcement Tuesday, making him the second Black American, behind Virgil, to take on the head position at a European luxury house.
“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,” Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
Known by many for producing and creating hits including “Happy,” N.E.R.D‘s “Lemon” and Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines,” dedicated fans of Pharrell know he’s ventured into the fashion world. His projects include his streetwear label Billionaire Boys Club, the skateboarding-inspired shoe brand Ice Cream and collaborations with Marc Jacobs, Diesel, Chanel, Moncler and Adidas.
In 2015, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Pharrell with the Fashion Icon Award. “No one has better style than the everyday American people,” he said during his acceptance speech. “Why? Because they’re the real thing and they live it every day. I could never be as cool as them but I’m happy to take notes.”
Pharrell’s first collection with Louis Vuitton will be revealed next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
