Pharrell Williams
Creative Director, Louis Vuttiton Mens
Known for his innovative approach to music and fashion, the creative director is a style icon and is widely recognised as one of the most successful and influential figures in hip-hop.
Pharrell Williams is the men's creative director at Louis Vuitton. Known for his innovative approach to music and fashion, Williams is a style icon and is widely recognised as one of the most successful and influential figures in hip-hop.
Born and raised in Virginia, Williams began his career in music as part of the duo The Neptunes alongside Chad Hugo. Their distinctive sound quickly gained popularity, leading to collaborations with various recording artists. In 1999, Williams and Hugo joined with Shay Haley to form the group N.E.R.D. His solo career took off in 2006 with the release of his debut album, “In My Mind.” He has since produced numerous chart-topping hits including ‘Beautiful” and ‘Happy’. His work has earned him 13 Grammy Awards and two Academy Award nominations.
Parallel to his music career, Williams established a presence in the fashion industry. He struck an early friendship with Japanese streetwear pioneer Nigo, with whom he joined forces in 2005 to create the brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. He has also collaborated with Chanel, Moncler and Adidas. His impact extends beyond music and fashion as well, ranging from his founding of multiple non-profits to the skin care line he introduced in 2020.
Williams was appointed men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton in 2023, succeeding Virgil Abloh , who passed away in 2021. “The way in which he breaks boundaries across the various worlds he explores aligns with Louis Vuitton’s status as a cultural maison, reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneer spirit and entrepreneurship,” LVMH said in its announcement of Williams’ appointment.
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What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
ExploreWhat is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
ExploreLouis Vuitton Goes West
Pharrell Williams took Vuitton to the American desert. Visually the show was a feast, but the references were too obvious, resulting in an outing that felt flat despite the bling bling, writes Angelo Flaccavento.
At the Golden Globes, a Red Carpet Comeback
After the SAG strike put red carpets on pause over the summer, the Golden Globes — an event that’s battled controversy in recent years — ushered some much-needed glamour back to Hollywood.
The Business of Beauty Haul of Fame: The Smell of Success
Scenting ultra-exclusive events is beauty’s next big branding opportunity.
How Social Media Turned Athletes Into Fashion Marketing Machines
Platforms like Instagram let sports stars connect with fans in ways they couldn’t previously, while helping to make fashion a vital element of an athlete’s image and branding.
Queuing Is Not A Luxury Experience
It’s time for executives to rethink the lines outside luxury stores, writes Imran Amed.
Pharrell Williams: The Future of Luxury Is ‘Freedom’
With his first Louis Vuitton men’s show behind him, BoF 500 cover star Pharrell Williams shares his long-term vision for the future of Louis Vuitton, and luxury itself, with BoF’s Imran Amed.
In Paris, Global Fashion Community Fetes The BoF 500 Class of 2023
Members of the industry index including Pierpaolo Piccioli and Francesca Bellettini connected over cocktails and canapes in Paris, celebrating new entrants including Pharrell Williams, Karol G and Sabato De Sarno.
Tyler, the Fragrance Creator
Long known for his music and fashion influence, the multi-hyphenate reflects on his expanding beauty business.
Pharrell Williams, Isamaya Ffrench, Karol G and Lorenzo Bertelli Are This Year’s BoF 500 Cover Stars
On Friday 29 September, The BoF 500 Class of 2023 will be unveiled. To mark the occasion, The Business of Fashion sat down with four members of The BoF 500 to discuss how they are shaping the future of the industry.
Pharrell Williams, Isamaya Ffrench, Karol G and Lorenzo Bertelli Are This Year’s BoF 500 Cover Stars
On Friday 29 September, The BoF 500 Class of 2023 will be unveiled. To mark the occasion, The Business of Fashion sat down with four members of The BoF 500 to discuss how they are shaping the future of the industry.
Pharrell at Louis Vuitton: When Fashion Became Entertainment
The creative polymath’s debut show aimed to cement Louis Vuitton’s positioning as a purveyor not just of fashion, but culture writ large.