Pharrell Williams is named head of artistic direction for designer label Louis Vuitton, a position that was previously held by the late Virgil Abloh. LVMH made the announcement of the super producer’s new role early on Valentine’s Day.
As artistic director, Williams will spearhead creative visions for the menswear division under the leadership of current Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari. The “Happy” artist’s very first collection with the brand will debut at the Men’s Fashion Week in Paris held in June.
Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall-Winter 2023 Fashion Show
An initial experience with the brand came through a collaboration with Louis Vuitton alumnus Marc Jacobs on an eyewear line in 2004. Prior to that, Williams gained notoriety in the world of fashion with the launch of Billionaire Boys Club, his own streetwear line that he co-founded with famed A Bathing Ape designer Nigo in 2003.
Williams placement in the role comes on the heels of the sudden tragic passing of fashion visionary Virgil Abloh, who died in Nov. 2021. Abloh’s former apprenticeship under Kanye West and ties to the hip hop industry and skateboard culture cultivated a unique take on Louis Vuitton designs, appealing to a new generation of consumers.
With Williams joining the company, LVMH is hoping that music and street culture influences will persist, continuing the legacy of Abloh and trailblazing a new rhyme of fashion through Williams’ breadth of vision.
