It has been almost two years since the death of Louis Vuitton’s former creative director, Virgil Abloh. Since then, the brand has been trying to fill the vacancy with several names. Designers such as Martine Rose, Grace Wales Bonner, Samuel Ross, and Jonathan Anderson were all thought to be in the running. That was until Tuesday when the fashion company announced artist, Pharrell Williams, to be the next to fill Abloh’s shoes.
The news was announced by LV Chairman & CEO Pietro Beccari, who praised Williams’ past collaborations with the brand. This is the first big move done by Beccari. The new CEO just took over the title on February 1st, from Michael Burke who moved over to the LVMH brand.
“I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton,” Beccari, said in a statement. “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
Pharrell Williams’ new title is effective immediately. His first collection with LV will debut next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.
Pharrell Williams Is no Stranger To Fashion
Although Williams is mostly known for his career in music, this wouldn’t be his first foray into fashion. For starters, he co-founded streetwear label Billionaire Boys Club in 2003. He is also the founder of Ice Cream streetwear brand as well as the co-owner of G-Star Raw Denim. Willaims has even collaborated with several luxury brands including Tiffany & Co., Moncler and Adidas.
The producer extraordinaire has even dabbled in other businesses. At the beginning of 2022, he announced his involvement in a new hotel project that is set to open next year in the Bahamas. During the pandemic, he released a portable cutlery set for the purpose of limiting single-use plastic consumption while dining in public.