Luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton has named Grammy-winning producer, rapper, singer and songwriter Pharrell Williams its new creative director for menswear.
Louis Vuitton is part of the luxury goods group LVMH, owned by the world’s richest person Bernard Arnault.
“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,” Louis Vuitton chairman and chief executive Pietro Beccari said in a statement. “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
Williams succeeds Virgil Abloh, who sadly passed away in Chicago last November after a two-year battle with cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare cancer. Abloh made history as the company’s first Black artistic director.
Williams’ appointment is effective immediately. His first collection will debut during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris in June.
Williams has been on the front lines of the fashion world for some time. In 2003, he co-founded the streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club with Japanese designer Nigo. Williams boasts many high-profile collaborations under his belt, including partnerships with Tiffany & Co., Moncler and Adidas. In 2015, he won the Fashion Icon Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America 2015.
“No one has better style than the everyday American people,” Williams said during his acceptance speech, per WSJ. “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.” The honor was presented to him by Kanye West, who has in the past, expressed his desire to hold the role.
