Here’s what went down at Pharrell’s debut LV show
Pharrell Williams spent this past Valentine’s Day breaking the internet with the news of his appointment as Louis Vuitton’s newest menswear creative director. It made total sense that the 50-year-old artist wanted his debut collection for the French label to revolve around love and community – and to celebrate those themes with the biggest of names.
One day before Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2024 runway show (the first led by the music mogul since the news of his position at the company, following the 2021 death of his predecessor Virgil Abloh), Williams shared with Vogue what he could possibly bring to the table – or the catwalk.
The guiding concept for the collection (“I make things for humans,” he explained to Vogue) is in part the word “Lovers,” which also pays homage to his home state of Virginia and the day he started working on his first pieces.
“It’s immersive. And it’s very inspired by the love and support of the people here that I’ve just been blessed to be able to experience over the past 30 years,” Williams said of the presentation held outdoors on the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris.
See all the best moments from Williams’ breakout collection.
Zendaya and Beyoncé Bond on the Front Row
Zendaya and Beyoncé were spotted sharing a sweet interaction before the lights went down. The Challengers star, who was named a Louis Vuitton house ambassador in April, dazzled in a sequin-printed set consisting of an oversized collared shirt and flared trousers. The Renaissance singer, accompanied by husband Jay-Z (who also performed at the show) exuded ultra-luxurious vibes in a gold embossed set and futuristic sunglasses.
A Cinematic Experience
The livestream panned across a Parisian sunset before the cameras turned to the opening model – who wore a beige short suit and chequered tie – strutting along the stage to looming thematic music played by a live orchestra. In a conversation with Vogue, Williams revealed that the show’s moving soundtrack included songs he produced, performed by Virginia-based gospel choir Voices of Fire, and piano sections played by Chinese musician Lang Lang.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Show Out in Camo Couple’s Looks
A pregnant Rihanna – who stars in the collection’s campaign with her baby bump on display – and A$AP Rocky took a night off from parent duty to support Williams from the front row. Of course, they did so rocking matching looks. The Fenty Beauty founder rocked a baggy denim cargo set with a pixelated chequered print. Meanwhile, the rapper wore a denim jacket, cargo shorts, and a chequered beanie with sequin squares. He paired the look with fluffy green slippers.
Pharrell premieres new Clipse music
During the event, Pharrell premiered a handful of new songs, including an unreleased track with longtime collaborators Clipse, who also walked in the show. Footage of the song has since gone viral, with clips circulating on social media that feature Pusha-T and No Malice rapping over production courtesy of the Neptunes super-producer.
Pharrell Williams Takes a Bow with His Family Cheering On
Williams walked out onto the bridge at the end of the show to a much-deserved standing ovation. Clad in a head-to-toe camouflage outfit – consisting of a structured suit, cap, sneakers, and gemstone-rimmed sunglasses – he walked down the Pont Neuf to greet the crowd, including his wife Helen Lasichanh and his four children. The Williams family – who all wore matching suits – shared a warm embrace before Williams turned back to welcome his team, to which he showed appreciation and gratitude with bows.
