Let’s be honest, Pharrell Williams was a surprising choice for LV‘s new Menswear Creative Director. From his 2004 feature on Snoop Dog’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot” to his both loved and hated 2013 hit “Happy”, he’s an artist who’s dipped his toe into every area of the music industry, rapping, singing, producing, and more. But what makes him qualified to design fashion? Let’s review.
Having just been appointed at the helm of Louis Vuitton Menswear – with his first collection in Paris pending – Pharrell’s move to luxury fashion might seem to have come out of nowhere – but it didn’t. He’s actually had a part in many luxury fashion collaborations in the past, as well as having founded his own brand, Billionaire Boys Club, with Nigo in 2005.
Pharrell has collaborated on everything from limited edition sneakers to full blown collections with luxury fashion brands including Moncler, adidas, Chanel, and G-Star Raw, among others. In fact, in 2008 he even worked with Louis Vuitton itself – the brand he’s now making decisions at – to co-design a series of eyewear and jewellery. Foreshadowing much?
Looking at the aesthetic of Pharrell and Nigo’s streetwear brand, Billionaire Boys Club, Pharrell has long established his ability to design clothing, pulling on skate and street styles to create a brand that’s fresh, contemporary, and eye-catching. Whilst the brand mainly produces sweatshirts and footwear, it has a huge following among younger audiences – something Louis Vuitton is more than interested in achieving itself.
However, Pharrell wasn’t always the fashion icon we now accept him as. When he first appeared on the scene, his uniform largely featured brightly coloured snapbacks, heavy chains, oversized tees, and a buzz cut. You might remember him for his brief phase involving giant hats, a look he was periodically known for but has thankfully now left behind.
More recently Pharrell’s personal style has become a lot more vibrant and eclectic, harnessing unique pieces from a diverse group of brands, many of which he’s collaborated with. Pharrell was recently spotted in a luxurious chocolate leather jacket embellished with the LV monogram, which many have speculated was a teaser of the new collection to come. We have to say if Pharrell’s debut for LV Menswear looks anything like this, we’ll be drooling over it.
Whilst we’re expecting street style influences, bright colour schemes, and a focus on oversizing from Pharrell’s first collection at Louis Vuitton, he’s also very capable of taking a completely different direction to one we’ve seen before. What did you think his debut collection will look like?
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