Pharrell takes on the role previously held by the late Virgil Abloh, who died in November 2021. In doing so, it will be only the second time a Black American has held a head position at the luxury French fashion house.
Pharrell’s debut collection will be unveiled in Paris in June.
As well as being a significant force in music, ever since he formed production and song-writing duo the Neptunes alongside Chad Hugo in the early ‘90s, Pharrell also has an esteemed history with the fashion world.
As such, Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s recently-appointed Chairman and CEO, has described Pharrell’s new role as a homecoming. “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Artistic Director. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
In 2007, Pharrell had also worked with Marc Jacobs on a range of sunglasses, which were then reissued by Abloh in 2018. He also has a longstanding partnership with Adidas Originals, with the collaborative debut collection first unveiled in the Summer of 2014.
What’s more, he ventured into the world of beauty with the skincare brand Humanrace in 2021, and the latest news of his appointment comes ahead of a new collaboration with Moncler, set to be unveiled this weekend at a show that’s also set to feature Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
It is of course alongside such illustrious names in the world of music where Pharrell has made his mark, having been one of the most sought-out producers of the last century. His new appointment represents yet another crossover between the worlds of luxury fashion houses and streetwear.
Pharrell holds 13 Grammys to his name and, as well as successful runs with The Neptunes (who were first inducted into The Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020) and subsequent group N.E.R.D., which added drummer Shay Haley, he’s also had an extraordinarily successful solo career.
His 2013 song ‘Happy’, which was the soundtrack for Despicable Me 2, has been virtually ubiquitous over the past decade; he also produced and featured on Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’, which despite its controversial and criticised subject matter, was a huge commercial success.
His new appointment marks Beccari’s frst major move since being appointed chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, having previously Christian Dior Couture since 2018.
