Over the past 14 months, the question on the tongue of anyone with even a fleeting interest in fashion has been: who will succeed the late Virgil Abloh at the helm of Louis Vuitton Men’s? During this time, a number of names have been the focus of intense speculation – Martine Rose, Grace Wales Bonner, Telfar Clemens, Samuel Ross among them – and in the wake of the house’s most recent show, guest designed by Kidsuper’s Colm Dillane, some had suspected that we’d see a circulating roster of resident designers going forward. Today, however, the rumour mill has ground to a halt following an unexpected official announcement from Louis Vuitton regarding who will be taking up the mantle at the head of the house: none other than Pharrell Williams.
While a surprise to most, it’s a decision that makes perfect sense. A close friend of Virgil’s, Pharrell embodies a similarly expansive perspective on fashion, seeing it as a fundamentally interdisciplinary forum for creative expression. “The way in which he breaks boundaries across the various worlds he explores aligns with Louis Vuitton’s status as a Cultural Maison,” reads a statement from the house, “reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneer spirit and entrepreneurship.” He’s also previously proven his fashion chops elsewhere, not only through his personal sense of style, but through his two hotly-hyped brands – Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream – which he co-founded with fellow LVMH stablemate Nigo, who currently serves as the creative director of Kenzo.
He’s also familiar with the Louis Vuitton design studio and atelier on account of his collaborations with the brand in 2004 and 2008, a fact that Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s brand new Chairman and CEO, highlighted in his statement. “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home […] as our new Men’s Creative Director,” he said. “His vision beyond will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.” Damn right it will!
And it turns out we won’t have to wait too long to see what it will bring. With his appointment effective immediately, the legendary musician, artist, designer and much more is set to show his first collection for the house during the next iteration of Paris Fashion Week Men’s in June. Start putting your names in the hat for what’s already certain to be the hottest ticket in town.