Pharrell Williams, a Grammy-winning producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter, was selected to serve as the new male creative director for the fashion house Louis Vuitton, which is based in France.
Williams was referred to by the record company as “a visionary whose creative universes span from music to art and to fashion.”
In addition to that, he was one of the people who started the streetwear company Billionaire Boys Club.
A prominent fashion designer named Virgil Abloh, who passed away in 2021, once held the position of creative director at Louis Vuitton.
In June, the Men’s Fashion Week in Paris will be the venue for the presentation of Williams’ debut collection for the label.
“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, chairman and chief executive of Louis Vuitton, said in a statement. “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton.”
According to Mr. Beccari, “His creative vision beyond fashion will surely drive Louis Vuitton towards a new and extremely exciting chapter.”
The fashion house of Louis Vuitton is recognised as one of the most prestigious in the world. It is a subsidiary of the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, which is owned by Bernard Arnault, now the richest person in the world.
Williams is the recipient of thirteen Grammy Awards and has served as a judge on the renowned television talent competition The Voice.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for the song “Happy,” which was included in the movie Despicable Me 2, and was also a part of the film’s soundtrack.
Williams, along with the Japanese designer Nigo, established the streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club in the year 2003.
He has designed eyewear for the Louis Vuitton label in collaboration with Marc Jacobs, who is also the creative director of the luxury labels Moncler and Chanel. He has also worked with the sportswear giant Adidas.
When Williams went to a fashion event the year before wearing a pair of Tiffany sunglasses that were studded with diamonds, he received some criticism.
Users on social media pointed out the striking similarities between the design of the glasses and a pair of eyewear that dates back to the Mughal Empire in India.
Williams’ predecessor at Louis Vuitton, Mr. Abloh, is also the founder of the fashion brand Off-White. Williams worked for Mr. Abloh at Louis Vuitton.
In November 2021, at the age of 41 and having a career that was known for blending parts of streetwear with high fashion creations, he passed away from cancer.
His posthumous final menswear exhibition was based around the intricate notion of a “Dreamhouse” and featured breakdancing models, angels, and a disdain for gender in the creations.