While once the role of a celebrity within a company began and ended with ad campaigns, photoshoots, and spokesperson duties, their influence is now extending far beyond marketing the end product. From Kendall Jenner at FRWD and Cardi B at Playboy to A$AP Rocky at Pacsun and Kate Moss at Diet Coke, celebrities have been bagging executive roles at some of the world’s most influential companies of late.
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In perhaps the biggest instance of celebrities holding power over key players in the commercial space; Pharrell Williams has been handed the reins at Louis Vuitton. Effective immediately, the artist, producer, songwriter, and entrepreneur will be in charge of menswear at the luxury French fashion house.
“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, chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton. “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
While Williams is best known for his work in the music industry, his experience extends into the realms of fashion and hip-hop culture. In addition to co-founding streetwear label Billionaire Boys Club (alongside Nigo) and founding skincare label Humanrace, Williams has collaborated with Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Tiffany & Co. (on a somewhat controversial pair of sunglasses), and even watchmaker Richard Mille.
To glean an idea of what Louis Vuitton menswear might look like in Williams’ hands, one might look to his two prior collaborations with the brand. In 2004, he and Nigo worked with the maison on a streetwear-style sunglasses collection. Meanwhile, in 2008, Williams turned his eye to jewellery, collaborating with Camille Miceli, Louis Vuitton’s jewellery consultant at the time, on a collection of colourful gold jewellery inspired by Williams’ ‘Skateboard P’ era.
Pharrell Williams undeniably holds a lot of influence in the pop culture realm, however, does that warrant the lead role at a heritage fashion house? While Louis Vuitton has undoubtedly seen a lot of success in catering to contemporary consumers through streetwear and collaborations with brands like Nike and Supreme, much of its prestige and inherent appeal lies in its history of craftsmanship. How Williams’ previous experience will translate to that remains unknown, however, we’re waiting with bated for his first collection come June.
Words by T. Angel
