Pharrell Williams is the new creative director of the menswear division at Louis Vuitton. The French fashion house announced this on Twitter on February 14, 2023. The artist and designer succeed Virgil Abloh, who died suddenly in late 2021. The first Louis Vuitton menswear led by Pharrell Williams will be released in June 2023.
Pharrell Williams
Louis Vuitton's menswear department has a new creative director, and who better to fill Abloh's role than artist and Billionaire Boys Club founder Pharrell Williams. Since the sudden death of Virgil Abloh, creative director of Louis Vuitton and founder of the streetwear brand Off-White, the department has not had a permanent director. Until Pharrell came around the corner.
In recent months, there has been considerable speculation about who would become Abloh's successor. Names like Kanye West (aka Ye), Colm Dillane, and Martine Rose passed by but failed to land the job. On February 14, 2023, Louis Vuitton finally announced their new creative director and Williams has been given the big task of following in Abloh's footsteps.
Pharrell Williams and Louis Vuitton are no strangers to each other, having worked together back in 2004 to 2008. "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 told in a statement.
Beccari: “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
In addition to having designed the streetwear brand Billionaires Boys Club, his own line at adidas - Humanrace, and collections with high-end brands such as Chanel and Tiffany & Co. Williams was also good friends with Abloh. This made him the obvious person for the new position.
The first Louis Vuitton menswear collection under Williams' name will be shown in June 2023.