Paris Fashion Week commenced with a sartorial spectacle as Pharrell Williams presented Louis Vuitton’s spring menswear show, captivating the audience with a fusion of sharp designs and elaborate embellishments inspired by the American West.
The runway came alive with Native American drumming, setting the tone for the show featuring models adorned in silver-tipped cowboy boots, denim chaps, wide-brimmed cowboy hats, and silky western shirts with distinctive pointy collars. Turquoise studs added flair to suits, and sequined jackets sparkled with Louis Vuitton logos.
According to show notes, the Louis Vuitton dandy underwent an evolution influenced by the American western tradition of dressing up. The collection included handbags collaboratively designed with artists from the Dakota and Lakota nations, as well as shoes bearing the Timberland label.
This marked Pharrell Williams’ third show as the creative force behind Louis Vuitton’s menswear line since taking on the role last year. The LVMH-owned label, a global fashion powerhouse, strategically unveiled around 50 temporary stores worldwide to showcase the latest merchandise.
Pharrell’s runway debut for Louis Vuitton in June 2023 was a blockbuster event on the Pont Neuf in Paris, featuring a street party with performances by Williams and Jay-Z. In November, his second runway show in Hong Kong showcased sailor suits and Hawaiian prints against the city’s nighttime skyline.
As anticipation builds for LVMH’s annual financial results on January 25, the fashion industry awaits insights into the performance of this influential brand, particularly amid softened demand for luxury apparel in recent months due to economic factors.