Sona Fong reports the things about Pharrell Williams’ journey
Appointing Pharrell Williams, the world-famous job-juggler, as the Creative Director of their menswear is definitely one of the boldest moves of the century-old French fashion house Louis Vuitton. From music, to art, and to fashion, Williams has been an unmissable legend with his wide spectrum of passions. Here are a few facts about this legendary cultural icon for our generation.
- He is an award-winning music producer
Debuting with the rock and hip-hop band N.E.R.D., Williams took 13 Grammy awards home in total and received Producer of the Year three times. He is also the producer of numerous celebrities as he composed innumerable fans’ favorites like Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”. No wonder he is dubbed as “the musician delayed by the fashion industry.
- His No.1 chart-topping song has captured the hearts of millions of people
If you are not familiar with the above works of his, it is impossible to not know his biggest hit “Happy”. Being the single from the soundtrack of Despicable Me 2 (2013), the entire world was humming to this smash hit. Released in 2014, the song has gained 1.4 billion views on YouTube and 1.5 billion hits on Spotify.
- His appointment as LV’s Creative Head marks the beginning of a new era
In February 2023, Williams was appointed as the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear division, succeeding the late luxury streetwear pioneer Virgil Abloh. As Pietro Beccari, the Chairman and CEO of the House, said, LVers can look forward to Williams’s creative vision beyond fashion will lead the label towards a new and exciting chapter.
- He created a profoundly influential streetwear brand
In partnership with NIGO, the founder of the Japanese fashion brand Bape, Williams founded his own label Billionaire Boys Club in 2003. In irony with the brand’s name, the House aims to focus on their authenticity and originality instead of the financial implications of their name. “Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket,” a motto of the label that reflects Williams’ attitude towards creation.
- His first partnership with Louis Vuitton can be traced back to the Y2K era
As a matter of fact, Williams and Louis Vuitton’s relationship is long-standing. Back in the 2000s, Williams collaborated with the House for the Millionaire sunglasses collection in 2004 along with NIGO. In 2008, he also co-designed the brand’s Blason jewellery collection.
- He makes a perfect duo with his Japanese soulmate
Aside from their co-establishment of the Billionaire Boys Club and co-designing of the Millionaire sunglasses, Williams and NIGO do not only share a dynamic partnership but also a lifelong friendship. The duo was first connected by their mutual friend “Jacob the Jeweler”, and ever since, they have been playing a pivotal role in each other’s journeys. Their latest collaboration would be Louis Vuitton’s latest FW25 menswear collection, Remember the Future. The duo not only celebrates the House’s heritage, but also the beginning of their story by featuring the Millionaire sunglasses.
- He has collaborated with K-Pop stars for multiple times in recent years
One of the biggest K-Pop artists G-Dragon, the leader and songwriter of the band BIGBANG, has addressed Williams as his “one and only idol”. With the whirlwind of Korean music, Williams has also partnered with the genre’s icons. For the Men’s Fall-Winter 2025 Show of Louis Vuitton, he composed the song “Bad Influence” for the K-Pop boy band SEVENTEEN, which features in the band’s latest album HAPPY BURSTDAY, and “LV Bag” for the Don Oliver featuring J-Hope from BTS, another well-loved K-Pop boy band, and Williams himself.
- He composes the soundtrack of his own fashion show
Ever since Williams sat in the role of crafting the menswear of Louis Vuitton, he never misses the opportunity to push the boundaries of the creative universes he encompassed. Apart from the above two songs from the FW25 show, he also wrote the song “Timeless”, by The Weekend and Playboi Carti. Other popular soundtracks include “Triumphus Cosmos”, and “Doctor” with Miley Cyrus, for the showing of the SS25 and FW24 collections respectively.
- He challenged the norm of dressing code with his hat
Doubtless to say, one of Williams’s most notable fashion moments would be his iconic look for the 56th Grammy Awards in 2014. Making a splash in social media, his huge brown topper had stolen all attention as it stood out amidst the gowns and tuxedos. Monumental, and revolutionary, undeniably a prominently memorable breakthrough of the red-carpet conventions.
- He is also surprisingly an aspirating philanthropist
Williams has been striving to use his global reach to change the world for the better. One of his philanthropies would be supporting the next generation via education. As such, his first-ever not-for-profit is From One Hand To AnOTHER Inc. (FOHTA Inc.) to offer learning programs for children from low-income families. In 2020, Williams has launched YELLOW, the child nonprofit to campaign for helping children “EVEN THE ODDS” through providing meaningful educational experiences for them.
