The news is in—Pharrell Williams will serve as the new Louis Vuitton Men’s designer. The renowned artist and fashion connoisseur has been recruited by Louis Vuitton parent firm, LVMH, to take over the role previously held by the late Virgil Abloh. This is definitely a move that would rock up the premium menswear scene and usher in a new age of celebrity fashion designers.

Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, described Pharrell’s hiring as ‘’a step to a fresh phase’’. In a statement he said, “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Artistic Director. His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”

Appointing Pharrell as Louis Vuitton Men’s Creative Director would be the logical conclusion to LVMH’s ambition of transforming its luxury businesses into worldwide pop cultural phenomena. For years, Pharrell has expressed a hip-contemporary sense of style that has now captivated a young crop of fashion aficionados. During his era as N.E.R.D. vocalist in the early 2000s, he cracked the pattern of hip-hop look by incorporating aspects of baggy clothing. 

In 2017, he made headlines when he became the first male figure to join in a Chanel commercial with Phoebe Philo. Photographed in a ballgown puffer, he explained, “When you listen to yourself and you’re comfortable in who you are, you wear what you feel fits and looks right on you. And that’s it.”

His developing taste in fashion foretold the growth of flashy gender-neutral clothes, as opposed to Virgil Abloh’s luxury streetwear piece. As one of the most recognisable men’s fashion responsibilities, Pharrell will be in charge of developing two collections every year, including bags, accessories, and the brand’s ready-to-wear piece. 

See the official statement form Louis Vuitton below: