Pharrell Williams, renowned multi-talented artist and recently appointed Creative director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear, has given the world a sneak peek into his groundbreaking debut for the iconic French luxury brand. The campaign, starring global music icon Rihanna, sets a tone for the new direction Williams aims to bring to the revered fashion house.
Making its grand premiere on a colossal billboard overlooking the Seine from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the campaign features a pregnant Rihanna exuding radiance and confidence. Dressed in a partially unbuttoned leather shirt boasting a pixelated Damier check, the superstar effortlessly displays the bold new aesthetic. The vibrant ensemble is completed with an array of Louis Vuitton’s signature monogrammed leather goods in eye-catching primary colors – a palette rich with red, yellow and green.
Pharrell proudly displayed the breathtaking billboard on his Instagram profile, followed by a staggering 14.6 million followers, captioning the post, “Louis Vuitton Men, Spring-Summer 2024“. This collaboration underscores the long-standing professional relationship between Rihanna and Pharrell, predating their 2017 partnership on N.E.R.D’s hit track “Lemon”. Rihanna proclaimed in 2020 that she was teaming up with Pharrell for her forthcoming album.
Anxiously anticipated by fashion enthusiasts worldwide, Pharrell Williams will present his first collection for Louis Vuitton on June 20th, marking the commencement of Paris Men’s Fashion Week. In an innovative twist, sources reveal that the collection will be revealed on the historic Pont Neuf bridge, a dramatic backdrop at the heart of Vuitton‘s Paris headquarters.
Pharrell’s appointment at Louis Vuitton represents a seminal move by the brand, reasserting its identity as a leader in cultural innovation. This strategy was the first substantial decision made by Pietro Beccari since his appointment as chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton on February 1st. The influential position had been vacant following the tragic passing of Williams’s predecessor, the visionary designer Virgil Abloh, in November 2021.
