Louis Vuitton has finally found a successor to Virgil Abloh. Pharrell Williams becomes creative director for menswear.
Singer, music producer and designer Pharrell Williams will take up the role of men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton effective immediately, the French luxury house announced on Tuesday. His first collection for the Maison will be presented in June during Paris Men’s Fashion Week.
In the early evening, the first rumors were circulating in the media that the French luxury fashion brand was talking to Williams. The Wall Street Journal and the French newspaper Le Figaro referred to people familiar with the matter.
A new creative vision for Louis Vuitton
Williams’ appointment underscores Louis Vuitton’s values - innovation, pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship – and underscores the luxury brand’s status as a “cultural maison.” Louis Vuitton describes its new creative director for menswear as a cultural, global icon and points out that his work breaks the boundaries between different worlds.
“I am delighted to welcome Pharrell back home as our new men’s Creative Director after working with Louis Vuitton in 2004 and 2008,” said Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton CEO. “His creative vision, which goes beyond fashion, will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton into a new and very exciting chapter.” Beccari himself was only called up to his role at the helm of the fashion house in January. The two appointments herald a new era for the French luxury fashion house.
The fashion house took the first step in initiating Abloh’s successor in early January, when it brought a new designer on board in KidSuper founder Colm Dillane. However, this should only support the in-house design team for one season. Williams is Louis Vuitton’s first permanent creative director for menswear since Abloh’s death in November 2021. Officially Abloh held the title of “Artistic Director” of menswear, now Williams, who is considered a confidante and companion of the late designer Virgil Abloh, will follow in his footsteps .
Editor’s note: This post was updated at 9:10 p.m. on 14 February 2023 with a communication from LVMH.