Louis Vuitton: Pharrell Williams and Nigo celebrate friendship and style at the Paris show
On Tuesday, January 21, the Pont Neuf in Paris was the stage for an extraordinary event. Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton's men's creative director, unveiled his new collection alongside Nigo, his longtime friend and renowned Japanese designer. The show was a celebration not only of fashion but also of a friendship that spans decades.
Pharrell and Nigo share a creative partnership that began 20 years ago, when they collaborated on the iconic LV Millionaires 1.0 sunglasses. For this show, the duo revisited their inspirations, uniquely combining their identities. Pharrell brought his signature Mountie hat, while Nigo added a relaxed touch with baseball caps and skinny ties. The collection also featured pieces such as Damier-patterned bags and baseball jackets, all reimagined with sophistication.
The setting and sensory experience
The show's setting was a spectacle in itself. Designed by Masamichi Katayama's Wonderwall studio, the circular space was inspired by the petal of the Louis Vuitton monogram flower. Inside, display cases shaped like clock hands showcased historical objects from the brand, bridging the past with the present.
Music also played a crucial role. A brass and string orchestra composed of 30 musicians opened the show with a stirring rendition of "One Winged Angel" by Nobuo Uematsu. The evening concluded with Pharrell presenting the track "LV Bag," in collaboration with Don Toliver and j-hope, adding a contemporary touch to the classic event atmosphere.
Luxury reimagined
Pharrell described the collection as "an artistic manifestation of a lifetime of friendship." Inspired by Nigo's workwear archive, the collection transformed utilitarian pieces into true works of art. Donkey jackets were embroidered with pearls, trucker shirts were reimagined in leather, and the famous Intarsia monograms appeared on hooded jackets, worn by models pushing trunks down the runway.
Additionally, the collection brought back the iconic graffiti by Stephen Sprouse, seen on bags and jackets, reinterpreting the classic with a fresh twist.
A prestigious front row
The audience was as star-studded as the show itself. Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, was present alongside celebrities such as Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina, Bradley Cooper, and basketball player Victor Wembanyama, who stood out as one of the tallest figures ever seen at a French fashion show. Adrian Brody, who had walked for Prada just days earlier, was also in attendance, strengthening the connection between fashion and cinema.
Final thoughts
Pharrell Williams and Nigo's show for Louis Vuitton was more than just a fashion presentation: it was a declaration of friendship, creativity, and innovation. While Pharrell's musical talent is undeniable, his vision for fashion is clearly gaining strength, offering a unique perspective in the world of luxury.