Pharrell Williams’ Exhibition and Fashion Show: The New Era of LV
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After months of anticipation following his appointment as the artistic director of the Louis Vuitton men’s collection, all eyes were on the Pont Neuf this Tuesday for one of the most awaited events of Paris Men’s Fashion Week: Pharrell Williams’ debut show for Louis Vuitton. A spectacular show that unveiled the new DNA of the luxury house and also marked the kickoff of a week dedicated to the creator, with various events organized in connection with his own brands. Between exhibitions, pop-up stores, and cafés, Pharrell Williams is on all fronts to emphasize his legitimacy and his entry into the arena of great designers.
Pharrell Williams’ First Show for Louis Vuitton: An Ode to Paris and Love
Paris, joy, and love. These are the three words that orchestrated Pharrell Williams’ first show as the men’s artistic director of Louis Vuitton. What better way to celebrate the city of love than to borrow its mythical Pont Neuf for his show, just a stone’s throw from the luxury house’s headquarters.
Beyond this postcard-perfect backdrop, which provided a stunning invitation accompanied by a stained glass representation, the Pont Neuf holds significant meaning for the Virginia-born creator, now working in Paris. This location carries a deep symbolism and emerged as an illustration of a moment of transition, passage, and evolution, highlighted by a short video released before Pharrell Williams’ show, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself and taking the leap to succeed.
The iconic Louis Vuitton checkerboard pattern graced this mythical location, like a golden case with its reflection stretching across the Seine, front row. Upon arrival, another Parisian icon served as a photo call: the mythical Parisian kiosk, but adorned with the Louis Vuitton monogram! It’s all in the details.
Prestigious Guests and Honor for Craftsmanship During Pharrell Williams’ Show
Against this backdrop steeped in the atmosphere of the capital, Pharrell Williams’ show blossomed the new DNA of the Louis Vuitton luxury house. Alongside its heritage and historical image came the personality of the multidisciplinary creator.
A fusion of worlds, which was also reflected in the guests. The ranks featured a blend of the haute couture world and the music scene, which is dear to him. All this unfolded in a spirit of a spectacular show, with a giant screen and the presence of an orchestra accompanied by an energizing Gospel choir, chanting the word “Joy” through a song made in collaboration with the artist. The show took on an American show-like vibe, culminating in a private concert featuring Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z as the after-show.
The latter was notably among the list of 5-star guests. By his side, we spotted Beyoncé, A$AP Rocky, Zendaya, Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, Jared Leto, Lenny Kravitz, Lewis Hamilton… A very exclusive front row, echoing the teaser for the collection released a few days before Pharrell Williams’ show, featuring an Instagram post of him posing in front of a giant poster of Rihanna wearing the new pieces. She was also present at the show, fully dressed in Louis Vuitton.
Pharrell Williams’ show was an opportunity for him to gather and thank those who have been by his side in recent years. But also to celebrate craftsmanship, notably by bringing onto the catwalk all the skilled hands without whom the pieces could not come to life. A gesture that is heartwarming to see, and which is rooted in the new vision of the artistic director currently taking shape.
What Should We Remember from Pharrell Williams’ Show?
Titled “Lovers,” Pharrell Williams’ first show unveiled 75 looks. Along with luggage presented aboard golf carts navigating the catwalk among walking models.
“Damouflage,” between camouflage and checkerboard, the new pattern by Louis Vuitton
Among the standout elements of this first collection, the new pattern, blending the iconic Louis Vuitton checkerboard with the camouflage dear to the creator, has taken over numerous fabrics. Jackets, pants, slippers, and even a stroller, as posted on Instagram following Pharrell Williams’ show, this “damouflage” is one of the common threads of the collection, even covering the dresses of the gospel choir members.
This pixelated/Minecraft-inspired pattern comes in several colors, either tone-on-tone or in more contrasting combinations.
Fabric Effects Between Leather, Waxed Canvas, and Fur Inserts
On the fabric side, we observed the use of more or less rigid leathers for jackets, waxed canvas effect fabrics for pants, reflective material inserts, fur, and denim. These materials were crafted into strong character pieces, between dandy and streetwear. Chic is modernized with three-piece suits accompanied by shorts or a kilt derivative. The cuts feature rounded corners or pleats to create a new silhouette.
The bags are also reimagined, with the iconic Speedy showcasing primary colors. We see models carried on the waist, by hand, on the shoulder, or on the back. The shapes are playful, moving from minimalism to maximalism.
Socks rise up to the knees, paired with loafers or flat Mary Janes. Shoes, slippers, and tall leather boots complete the looks from Pharrell Williams’ show.
The detail is the keyword in the pieces and combinations, with the presence of rhinestones and pearls, completely covering a sneaker or creating wording touches.
Necklaces and pearl bracelets are the cherry on top, along with a few round glasses models. Meanwhile, berets allow for pins to embellish them, similar to jackets accessorized with golden brooches. The ushanka, meanwhile, makes a comeback alongside oversized beanies.
Alongside beige, khaki, forest green, brown, black, and denim, the pop of primary colors symbolizes Pharrell Williams’ show. Present in an assertive and bold manner, they complement oversized varsity jackets, graphic shawls, or rugby polos and branded Vuitton football jerseys.
The collection reveals itself to be the alliance of two worlds and two styles. On one side, the cuts and historical patterns of the Louis Vuitton house, and on the other, the streetwear mood of the creator. A bold combination, yet quite well-executed and harmonious in its own way, which can be worn by both men and women, as demonstrated by the show.
How Does Fashion Week Transform into Pharrell Williams Week?
For his debut among the greats, the creator does not stop at his show. Throughout the week, the new artistic director of Louis Vuitton spreads his universe, not just the one he is beginning to build alongside the brand.
“Just Phriends” the Free Exhibition by Pharrell Williams and His Auction
Taking place from June 20 to 24 in a private hotel at 8 avenue de Matignon, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the exhibition conceived alongside Sarah Andelman showcases artworks that will later be auctioned off through the creator’s auction house, Joppiter.
Featuring a total of 68 artworks, the exhibition presents both the work of artists such as JR and pieces from fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton. The proceeds from the sale, with the online portion extending until June 27, will go to the Black Ambition association.
The Samba Café: Immersion in Pharrell Williams and Adidas’ New Collaboration
After Pharrell Williams’ show in Louis Vuitton colors, it’s now one of the creator’s own brands that shines during fashion week, in a pop-up store and café. Humanrace has once again teamed up with Adidas to create a new sneaker model, the Samba Humanrace.
The concept store The Broken Arm, located at 12 rue de Perrée, has taken on the colors of the collaboration to showcase the pair, available in three vibrant colors. A visit can be capped off with a stop at the café!
The Billionaire Boys Club & Icecream Event at 3437
Another event of the week under Pharrell Williams’ sign is the pop-up store and café of the Billionaire Boys Club & Icecream, open at 3437 from June 22 to 24. The idea: to link fashion and food, reflecting the universe of both brands, the first of which was launched by Pharrell Williams in 2003 alongside Nigo, DJ and DA of Kenzo.
With these various events, Pharrell Williams’ show for Louis Vuitton gains resonance and officially launches this new adventure! Don’t hesitate to check out LV Dream to rediscover the iconic collaborations of the house.
