Pharrell Williams officially marked his reign as Louis Vuitton’s Creative Director for menswear with the glamorous debut of the Fall/Winter 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week on January 21, 2025. This event took place not just on any runway but against the iconic backdrop of the Louvre Museum, cementing its position as a pinnacle of modern luxury fashion.
Unveiling the collection alongside his longtime collaborator Nigo, the duo delved deep, exploring themes of friendship and shared history. The show featured models strutting down the mauve-hued catwalk adorned with eclectic pieces emphasizing both streetwear and dandyism, blending classic silhouettes with vibrant, contemporary flair.
The partnership between Pharrell and Nigo is steeped in rich history, having pioneered the streetwear movement together through their brand Billionaire Boys Club since 2003. Their synergy is palpable, blending Pharrell’s distinctive theatrical styling with Nigo’s knack for contemporary street sensibility. “It’s an honor to collaborate with Pharrell Williams, an artist we’ve always admired,” echoed the members of K-pop group SEVENTEEN, who contributed their new single “Bad Influence” as the show’s official soundtrack.
The collection drew on the rich legacy of both collaborators, showcasing pieces like vibrant cotton jackets, utility-focused garments, and bold denim styles. Pharrell passionately described the collection as “an artistic manifestation of friendship,” illustrating the depth of the relationship fueling their creative process. Each outfit brought to life elements from their shared past, reinvented with modern sensibilities.
Attendees witnessed 84 unique looks, from camo patterns reimagined with pixelated designs to bold, oversized fits typical of early 2000s fashion influences. The highlights included chore jackets crafted from olive leather and pink sakura denim, ornamental brooches offering distinct embellishments, and skate-inspired footwear named the ‘ButterSoft’ sneaker.
Williams strategically placed vintage and rare items from both their personal collections within the show’s exhibit-like setup, sharing another layer of the narrative woven through their longstanding friendship. These included sneakers and pieces retracing the evolution of their styles. Reflecting on their creative vision, Williams remarked on how they aimed to gaze “into the future through the telescope of history,” with as much emphasis on the evolution of menswear itself as on their duo's collective journeys.
Pharrell's influence permeates the collection, wherein each detail symbolizes his visionary approach to menswear. His collaboration with Nigo hints at Louis Vuitton’s commitment to steering the future of luxury streetwear, which is poised to burgeon—a market predicted to reach approximately $637 billion by 2032. LVMH, Louis Vuitton’s parent company, understands these new design philosophies and cultural references are integral to appealing to younger, trend-savvy consumers seeking expression beyond conventional luxury.
The fashion show was not just about the garments it showcased; it served as the stage for the world premiere of SEVENTEEN's "Bad Influence.” Infused with tenacity and modernity, the track reverberated throughout the venue, reinforcing the sense of collaboration between music and fashion inherent to the event. Speaking on the collaboration, SEVENTEEN expressed their thrill at exploring new musical terrain, stating, “Working on a song showcasing a new side of SEVENTEEN was enjoyable,” showcasing the excitement around blending cultures.
This ambitious melding of music and fashion has raised expectations on how immersive and dual-purpose events can redefine traditional frameworks of runway shows, encouraging the fashion industry to experiment with such crossovers. It resembles the forward-thinking ethos Pharrell and Nigo share—they aim to redefine what luxury means, making it feel more attainable and relatable to younger audiences.
The assemblage of high-profile guests at the show included LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault and acclaimed actors like Bradley Cooper. Their presence signified the collection's importance and the expectations set on Pharrell against the backdrop of LVMH's aspirations for the future. Pharrell has transformed the perception of streetwear within high fashion and fashionistas across the globe are watching closely.
The spectacular show marked not only the launch of the collection but also the cultural significance of these two entities within the style renaissance of the 2020s, bridging historical influence with contemporary artistry. By producing pieces drawing heavily from their roots yet aspiring to chart novel territory, Williams and Nigo invite unpredictability and creativity—essential components of what they both wish to preserve for generations to come.
With the curtain drawn on the launch of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, anticipation builds for the wider availability of select pieces from their archives, set to be auctioned on Pharrell's auction platform, joopiter.com. The forthcoming collection hints at not merely garments but manifestations of history, experience, and culture packed within each stitch.