13-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams joins the LVMH bandwagon as Louis Vuitton’s creative director for menswear. The Maison on Tuesday officially announced its decision to hire Williams, widely known for his eccentric sense of style — a merger between high-end fashion and hip-hop/skateboard culture influences — that has landed him collaborations with sportswear giant Adidas, in addition to luxury giants like Moncler, Chanel (as the brand’s first male ambassador), and Tiffany in the past. The two-time Oscar nominee had also previously collaborated with late icon Karl Lagerfeld for a unisex clothing line in 2019.

The appointment makes Williams, 49, the second individual of colour in the group’s history to take on a head position, after fashion legend Virgil Abloh’s passing in November 2021. Needless to say, the influential American musician and multi-hyphenate has big boots to fill, and comparisons are likely to be drawn as he steps into this highly coveted role in about 16 months since Abloh’s untimely demise.

Regarded as an active proponent of streetwear, Williams’ tryst with LV dates back to the year 2004 for a line of sunglasses that he’d designed for the French fashion house, followed by a subsequent collaboration in 2008. Aside from currently overseeing his own fashion labels Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, the Happy singer’s foray into skincare was marked by the inception of Humanrace in 2020, earlier described by the producer as a “universe of products and people dedicated to the pursuit of wellbeing”. 

LV Chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari addressed his excitement over Williams’ onboarding, in a statement released: “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. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”  

Williams’ first menswear collection for Louis Vuitton will be unveiled in June 2024 at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. His appointment is reportedly effective immediately.

Lead Image: Erik Ian