Pharrell Williams debuts as the newest Creative Director for Louis Vuitton’s Menswear

All eyes were on Pharrell Williams as he made his creative directorial debut for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week, succeeding the late Virgil Abloh.

Set at the heart of Paris on the Pont Neuf bridge overlooking the Seine, the catwalk was decorated with the French fashion house’s iconic Damier print in a honey-gold hue covering its entirety; all while the crowd was being serenaded to the sound of a full orchestra and choir.

Once the show commenced, the iconic checkerboard print was introduced in its newest rendition. First popularized in 1998, Williams chose to reimagine the signature pattern in shades of yellow and other primary colours.

Possibly paying homage to Louis Vuitton’s Pixel collection from 2018, the runway grew familiar with this mix of camouflage and the LV Damier pattern. As per the show notes, “Damoflage splices the heritage Damier pattern of Louis Vuitton with camouflage in a reflection of two diverse domains of style, in simultaneous tribute to Pharrell Williams’ long-time friends in Paris…The outdoor sensibility of camouflage is echoed in colourised landscape motifs featured in prints and jacquards across blanket coats, blousons, pyjamas and shirting, and in coats and bags laser-cut all-over in the Louis Vuitton flower pattern.”

Even with the new era of the luxurious brand, now without Abloh, remnants of his legacy can still be respectfully observed on the catwalk. Some street style influences left behind by his predecessor were most evident in the pieces like the invisible-button overcoat and oversized bomber jacket worn by American rappers Pusha T and (his brother) No Malice.

Beyond the apparel, Williams made sure that accessories had their own space to be seen during the show. Each model donned either chunky beanies, structured logo berets, embossed backpacks, or cargo pocket bags, at one point an open-air golf cart also went on the runway driving with LV luggage trunks.

Another one of the evening’s showstoppers was the array of unconventional, but definitely eye-catching sunglasses, mimicking an almost goggle-like silhouette.

Uniquely, Williams recalled the signature ‘LV’ of Louis Vuitton as synonymous with the words “Love” and “Lovers.” He told Vogue that the runway show will be immersive, and how “it’s very inspired by the love and support of the people here that I’ve just been blessed to be able to experience over the past 30 years.”

Some parts of the Spring/Summer collection took this quite literally, with some pieces donning a “LVers” print on them. On a more personal level, the Creative Director also explained in the show notes how it acknowledges the slogan of Pharrell Williams’ home: “Virginia is for lovers.” Revived from the archives, a Marque L. Vuitton Déposée logo appears throughout the collection.

Rihanna, who was also the star of William’s first Louis Vuitton campaign, was seen sitting front row wearing some pieces from the collection, while being accompanied by A$AP Rocky. With all the support of his star-studded audience, namely Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Zendaya, Jaden and Willow Smith, along with a lot more, Williams had drawn the show to an extravagant close.