Pharrell Williams’ recent Louis Vuitton menswear show was a masterful display of fashion and human diversity. With colors transitioning from black to white, Williams paid homage to the varied shades of humanity. The inspiration came from the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and the French snap elections, adding a layer of relevance to the event.
Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton Show: Diversity and Craftsmanship
A standout element was the blue, green, and black check pattern, inspired by Air Afrique’s luggage. This collaboration involved a group of talented creatives, all revering their African heritage and showcasing the beauty that stems from black.
The collection featured a progression in both color and the models’ skin tones, evolving from a linear to a more blended, multicultural representation. This theme extended to garments with pixelated python skin and world maps centered on Africa, including leather pieces with multicolored seeds and soccer ball motifs.
Set at UNESCO House, under an overcast sky, the show divided its characters into diplomats and students. This allowed Williams and the Louis Vuitton team to explore various menswear sub-genres with intricate, often camouflaged, details. As Williams noted, the aim was to be subtle yet intentional, with details that revealed themselves upon closer inspection.
The collection included enamel world maps on buttons, barely visible LV logos on leather and denim, and hand-embroidered pieces that showcased exceptional craftsmanship. Notable were pajama suits piped with pearls and a python-patterned camouflage shirt that took 30 artisans ten days to complete. Accessories also stood out, featuring heritage designs in soft leather with oversized monogram patterns.
Williams expressed his gratitude for the artisans and the complexity of the show, which balanced luxury with a universal message of unity and diversity. This Louis Vuitton menswear show was not just a display of high fashion but a statement about global perspectives and the beauty of human variation.
