According to various sources today, Louis Vuitton is considering hiring legendary music producer and artist Pharrell Williams as the next men’s head designer. If appointed, Mr. Williams, 49, would succeed Virgil Abloh, who died in November 2021 after a battle with cancer. Abloh was the first African-American to be appointed as the head designer of the European luxury house. Explore What does Virgil Abloh have to do with readymades?Williams, a native of Virginia Beach, rose to prominence as a member of hip-hop production duo the Neptunes in the late 1990s.
An insight into the fashion pedigree of Pharrel William
In 2005, Williams teamed up with Japanese design legend Nigo to develop the streetwear labels Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream footwear. Meanwhile, in 2008, Williams partnered with Louis Vuitton on a range of eyeglasses and jewellery. Also in August 2013, he designed a series of sunglasses for the fashion brand Moncler called “Moncler Lunettes.” Needless to say, he formed a long-term agreement with Adida in 2014. And on July 23, 2016, his Adidas NMD “Human Race” collection was revealed. Pharrel Williams launched a collaboration between G-Star Raw and his textile company Bionic Yarn in February 2014 dubbed “RAW for the Oceans,” a series of jeans produced from recycled plastic collected in the ocean.
Given his friendly relationship with the former LV designer, it’s not surprising that Pharrel Williams is being considered for this post. He wrote, “My heart is broken Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius.” following Virgil’s death.
My heart is broken
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) November 28, 2021
Virgil you were a kind, generous, thoughtful creative genius
your work as a human and your work as a spiritual being will live forever
Sending love and light to your wife, children, family and day ones
you’re with the Master now, shine
🙏🏾,
P
And, with this strong friendship and Pharrel Williams’ fashion pedigree, he appears to be an excellent candidate to carry on the fantastic work that Virgil began with Louis Vuitton.
