Pharrell unveils his second collection with Louis Vuitton

by Chloe Connelly December 5, 2023 0 Comment

Pharrell Williams’ rise from music prodigy to fashion visionary has been nothing short of extraordinary. First capturing the world’s attention as part of N.E.R.D in 1999, Pharrell seamlessly transitioned into the fashion sphere, cementing his influence with the launch of his iconic labels, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. His distinct approach to streetwear redefined the genre, earning him accolades as a true style innovator. In 2023, Pharrell reached new heights, taking the reins as Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director. His debut collection for Spring-Summer 2024 was a pivotal moment—pixelated camouflage and vibrant checkerboard prints dominated the runway.

The Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection was broadcast last Thursday on the Avenue of the stars, located in the heart of Hong Kong. In attendance were various high profile Asian celebrities and superstars, such as Sho Hirano, Felix from Stray Kids, Jasper Liu, and Song Joong-Ki. Pharrell understands the importance of having influential figures present, as it heavily dictates how much online attention the show will receive. Pharrell’s Spring-Summer 2024 collection amassed more than 700 million views across social media platforms.

Pharrell’s debut for Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 collection set sail on a journey defined by life at sea and the allure of travel. Nautical elements anchored the collection, with chic sailor hats, uniforms, and aquatic-inspired silhouettes gracing the runway. Pharrell revealed that his vision was drawn from the whimsical narrative of “a businessman in Hong Kong who decides to spend a week in Hawaii, only to be called back for a day-long meeting he couldn’t reschedule.” This concept unfolds beautifully through neoprene shorts and patterned suits, capturing the duality of leisure and work in effortless style. Across all 65 looks, Pharrell pushes boundaries, reinventing traditional fashion themes with his aquatic vision, while staying loyal to Louis Vuitton’s iconic DNA. Bold artistic prints—such as the striking checkerboard in look 22—and the timeless LV monogram canvas in look 1, reveal a seamless fusion of the house’s heritage with his fresh perspective.

The jewelry was mesmerizing, with rich accents of turquoise and sandy tones coalescing into eye-catching statement necklaces and bracelets. Bucket hats and sailor caps were styled with refined nautical motifs, adding a playful yet elegant touch. Louis Vuitton’s signature pieces made a triumphant return, most notably in looks 11 and 12, where the extravagant white hats stole the spotlight. The accessories radiated vibrant colours, reminiscent of the sun-soaked beach culture.

Pharrell notes that the Hawaiian theme woven throughout both the clothing and accessories serves as an homage to the island’s vibrant surf culture. However, it would have been poignant to acknowledge the recent wildfires that devastated Hawaii, displacing thousands and tragically claiming 97 lives. Incorporating a statement piece to honour this tragedy could have added deeper resonance and emotional weight to the collection, blending fashion with powerful social commentary.

Frankly, the sportswear section of this collection could have been omitted. The wetsuits, while aligning with the Hawaiian surf theme, lacked the sophistication typically associated with Louis Vuitton’s signature style. Although fitting in concept, they felt somewhat underdeveloped. With the rise of athleisure in contemporary fashion, dedicating more resources to refining this segment could be a profitable move. For Louis Vuitton, exploring luxury sportswear not only holds financial promise but could also refresh the brand’s image. Despite this, the sportswear pieces did show creativity—a quality many luxury houses are struggling to capture. Overall, the collection was innovative and distinct, showcasing Pharrell’s growing synergy with LV menswear.