The show took place on Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, creating a symbolic link between Paris and Pharrell Williams’ native state of Virginia.
The fashion world eagerly anticipated the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2024 Menswear collection fashion show, as it marked the debut of Pharrell Williams as the creative director of menswear at the iconic luxury brand. The event, held against the stunning backdrop of the Seine River at sunset, showcased a remarkable fusion of fashion, music, and celebrity presence. With a star-studded audience and an extravagant production, the show epitomised the beginning of the Pharrell Williams era at Louis Vuitton.
Pharrell Williams left no stone unturned in creating a memorable experience for the attendees. Notable personalities such as Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Rihanna graced the event, heightening the excitement surrounding the highly anticipated fashion show. The guest list was packed with celebrities, including Pusha T, Timbaland, J Balvin, Anitta, Jared Leto, Kim Kardashian, and Lenny Kravitz, further emphasising the show’s significance.
The collection combines American varsity jackets with Parisian craftsmanship, reimagining sporty wardrobes with pearl embroidery and the iconic Monogram. Pharrell Williams’ debut collection for Louis Vuitton draws inspiration from the sun as a universal source of life. The collection pays tribute to the sun’s impact through graphics, a warm colour palette, and glistening surface decorations, representing its ability to invigorate, heal, and unify people from all walks of life.
The collection incorporates the emblem of a new culture of LVERS, which embodies tenderness, well-being, and inclusiveness. These values are represented through graphics and embellishments, creating a global community that shares Maison’s guiding principles. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from garment techniques to buttons and closures, reflecting the same level of care and affection. The LVERS emblem is also a nod to the slogan of Pharrell Williams’ home state, “Virginia is for lovers.” Additionally, the Marque L. Vuitton Déposée logo (revived from the archives) appears throughout the collection. Camouflage, (a combination of the iconic Louis Vuitton Damier pattern and camouflage) pays tribute to Pharrell Williams’ Parisian friends and is featured in various shades on accessories, workwear, denim, and knitwear. Landscape motifs and the Louis Vuitton flower pattern are also showcased in prints and jacquards on coats and bags, reflecting an appreciation for the outdoors.
“I knew that I wanted to really lean into the Damier, something that hadn’t had such a great concentration in it, and we did so by using the Damier as a platform and as a new artistic discipline, and we have some really interesting expressions,” Williams said in an interview.
The classic Damier chessboard graphic is reimagined in various adaptations, invigorated by primary colours. Pixel artist ET Artist adds an 8-bit Atari twist to the Damier motif, while 3D pigment designs interpret the Damier leather grain. Coloured Damier expressions are featured on tailoring, pyjamas, and denim, alongside pied de poule and hand-embroidered pearl embellishments.
The collection’s modernized tailored silhouettes are inspired by a dandy attitude, exemplified by suits adorned with pearls and crystals, featuring classic yet contemporary proportions and collarless expressions. Shrunken volumes contrast with oversized trousers and box-pleat shorts. The iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy purse is updated with trapezoidal lines, supple-grained calfskin, and a blurred effect silkscreen-printed Monogram, capturing the spirit of New York City’s Canal Street.
The collection also includes Monogram Copper, evoking the sun-healing properties of copper. The Damoflage pattern appears on purses, backpacks, and sneaker trunks, while the Multicolour Damier pattern is showcased on numerous Maison emblems.
The collection prioritizes comfort with magnified shearling slippers, nubuck bowling shoes, and LV-crested leather hotel slippers. The LV Sport sneaker and evening football boot offer sporty alternatives, while penny loafers and expanded leather loafers exude sophistication.
Accessories include Super Zoom sunglasses, opulent costume jewellery embellished with pearls and crystals, and a range of hats, gloves, and belts inspired by Damier and Damoflage. The portraits and symbolic objects of American artist Henry Taylor are micro-embroidered on tailoring, denim, and accessories.
The Louis Vuitton Spring 2024 Menswear collection attracted a star-studded front row, with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, Beyoncé, Rocket Williams, Megan Thee Stallion, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Naomi Campbell, Miranda Kerr, and Helen Lasichanh attending to support Pharrell Williams’ debut collection. Kim Kardashian, for example, wore a DAMOFLAGE print look, featuring a custom crop top and fitted pants, which has long been her signature style. Her outfit was completed with an oversized DAMOFLAGE fanny pack and PVC sandals.
Discover every look from the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2024 Men’s Collection by Pharrell Williams in the gallery below:
