American musician, record producer and designer Pharrell Williams will succeed Virgil Abloh as Louis Vuitton's men's creative director.
News of Williams' appointment ends months of speculation over who would succeed Abloh.
Williams’, who was the first male ambassador for Chanel, has worked off and on with Louis Vuitton since 2004.
The Louis Vuitton role was previously held by high-profile designer Virgil Abloh, who died in 2021. As the first Black artistic director of Louis Vuitton, Abloh made history when he was appointed in 2018 and was widely credited for bringing a younger demographic to the storied fashion house with designs that brought a streetwear aesthetic to the luxury world.
"I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men's Creative Director," said Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton's chairman and CEO in a statement. "His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter." Williams' first collection for the label will be shown at the Men's Fashion Week in Paris in June.
