Plot twist: Louis Vuitton ‘in talks’ to tap Pharrell Williams as Men’s Designer

In this rumoured new position, Pharrell Williams (the American producer, rapper, singer, and songwriter), would be the first permanent head of menswear for luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton since Virgil Abloh’s passing in late 2021.

According to The Wall Street Journal, “people familiar with the matter” have revealed that there are discussions taking place to fix him in this permanent position. The exact title for Pharrell is still unconfirmed, as Abloh was the brand’s ‘Artistic Director’ of menswear. The current tips are suggesting Pharrell will be following in these footsteps.

The label has been without a creative director or artistic director for the whole of 2022, and has decided to focus on its tributes to the great work of the late creative director. Though Louis Vuitton has declined to comment on these reports, Pharrell was a long-time friend and supporter of Abloh. The news isn’t too much of a surprise when considering the rapper’s own relationship with fashion and with those in the brand. 

Louis Vuitton isn’t shy about experimenting with their art direction either, as they most recently appointed the founder of Kidsuper, Colm Dillane, as a guest creative director. They made it clear this role in FW23 was temporary, leaving room for speculation as to their permanent director.

Pharrell is currently overseeing Billionaire Boy’s Club and ICE CREAM labels, which are all relatively streetwear based. He has already fulfilled the role as the first male fashion ambassador for Chanel and is in talks to collaborate with Tiffany & Co, whose parent company is LVMH.