Unveiling a new chapter in its illustrious history, Louis Vuitton made an indelible mark on Paris Fashion Week91裸聊视频檚 men91裸聊视频檚 shows as they premiered the debut collection by the acclaimed musician-turned-designer, Pharrell Williams. Appointed in February to fill the immense shoes left by the tragic departure of the late Virgil Abloh, Williams unveiled his design prowess to the fashion world with a show that exuded confidence and creativity.
The breathtaking venue for this sartorial spectacle was none other than Paris91裸聊视频檚 iconic Pont Neuf. The historic bridge, typically resplendent with time-worn stone, was transformed into a golden runway 91裸聊视频� a dramatic stage set against the backdrop of the shimmering Seine, under the starlit Parisian sky.
The event drew a constellation of stars in their own right, forming a stellar audience that encompassed icons of music, sports and entertainment. Among the guests lining the gilded cobbles were music royalty Beyonc茅 and Jay-Z, NBA superstar LeBron James, and global pop phenomenon Rihanna. Each added their own unique sparkle to the glitz and glamour of the occasion.
Williams91裸聊视频� first show proved to be an ambitious endeavor, interweaving the luxury and sophistication of high fashion with the pulsating energy and broad appeal of pop culture and entertainment. This was more than just a runway presentation; it was an immersive experience that captured the imagination of those fortunate enough to witness it firsthand.
The grand finale was a spectacular concert by Jay-Z. The electrifying performance brought the crowd to its feet, their excitement reaching a crescendo as Pharrell himself took to the stage to join his longtime collaborator.
Here are some highlights of spring-summer 2024 shows:
PHARRELL SPEAKS
As the sunlight filled the storied halls of Louis Vuitton91裸聊视频檚 headquarters, Pharrell Williams stepped into his new role as the fashion house91裸聊视频檚 menswear designer. His appointment symbolizes more than a career shift. It represents a daring move by the luxury brand to entrust this position to a music artist and cultural influencer, not a classically trained designer. But for Pharrell, he doesn91裸聊视频檛 feel the pressure to prove himself 91裸聊视频� he was chosen for this role.
91裸聊视频淚 didn91裸聊视频檛 feel any of that because if I was competing for it and people kept telling me, no don91裸聊视频檛 do it, I may have felt that way. But the difference is, I was chosen,91裸聊视频� said Pharrell to a select group of reporters, including the AP. This sense of being chosen by the universe, or by Louis Vuitton, carries a sense of destiny for him. 91裸聊视频淪o like when you91裸聊视频檙e chosen, you just kind of ride the wave,91裸聊视频� he said.
But stepping into the designer role isn91裸聊视频檛 just about fulfilling his personal destiny. Williams also feels that he91裸聊视频檚 carrying on the legacy of the late Virgil Abloh, the first black Artistic Director at Louis Vuitton and a personal friend. 91裸聊视频淢y appointment is a tribute,91裸聊视频� said Williams, who sees his work as a continuation of the journey Abloh began.
The influence of Black culture, and the struggles the community has faced, is a strong driving force for Pharrell. He reflected on the unique flavor of American Black culture and its widespread appeal. 91裸聊视频淚 think it91裸聊视频檚 something in the sauce,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淎nd people like it when they try it.91裸聊视频�
Williams emphasized the hard-earned global recognition of this cultural 91裸聊视频渟auce,91裸聊视频� exemplified in the influence of figures like LeBron James, Jay-Z, Beyonc茅, Prince, and Basquiat. 91裸聊视频淎 lot of people lost their lives and suffered through the experiences to get us to these positions,91裸聊视频� he noted, underscoring the painful history that fuels his desire to honor his community through his work at Louis Vuitton.
Pharrell91裸聊视频檚 love for life, the moment, and opportunities, imbue his approach to design. 91裸聊视频淟V is for Louis Vuitton, but it91裸聊视频檚 also 91裸聊视频榣over91裸聊视频�,91裸聊视频� he mused. His interpretation of the Louis Vuitton initials signifies his intention to pour love and appreciation into his work, carrying the legacy of Black culture forward in a space where it has been historically underrepresented.
Williams already has exciting plans in motion, including a collaboration with Black American artist Henry Taylor, featuring Black faces lined up like the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram. He also revealed a campaign featuring Rihanna, another influential Black artist. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 not lost on me that I91裸聊视频檓 afforded this opportunity to tell these stories,91裸聊视频� he said.
Despite his lack of a traditional design background, Pharrell Williams is stepping confidently into his new role at Louis Vuitton. Chosen by the brand and feeling no pressure to prove himself, he sees this opportunity as a chance to honor Black culture, carry on Virgil Abloh91裸聊视频檚 legacy, and share his love for life through design. His journey is one to watch, as he navigates the fashion world with his unique 91裸聊视频渟auce,91裸聊视频� paying tribute to his roots and making his mark in high fashion.
LOUIS VUITTON SHOW
The pulse of Paris was set alight as music icon Pharrell Williams unveiled a debut fusing streetwear aesthetics into the French maison91裸聊视频檚 traditional lineage. The fashion show epitomized high-voltage energy, reverberating through the audience and culminating in a standing ovation for Williams.
The world-renowned musician, known for his genre-blurring creativity, masterfully orchestrated an event that transcended the typical realm of a runway show. The roster of attendees read like a who91裸聊视频檚 who of the entertainment industry, underscoring the hotly anticipated occasion. Notably present were Beyonc茅, new brand ambassador Zendaya, and Rihanna, whose arrival in sync with the show91裸聊视频檚 climax was nothing short of theatrical.
Jay-Z91裸聊视频檚 live performance heightened the spectacle, electrifying audiences with concert-like energy. The event venue 91裸聊视频� on Paris91裸聊视频檚 oldest bridge draped in a gold Damier pattern 91裸聊视频� was a symbolic nod to the brand91裸聊视频檚 longstanding tradition, hinting at key elements in Williams91裸聊视频� debut collection.
The runway show mirrored a music video91裸聊视频檚 high energy, perhaps a testament to the influence of parent company LVMH Mo毛t Hennessy Louis Vuitton91裸聊视频檚 meteoric reach. Williams, an emblem of multifaceted artistry, had earlier hinted at his collection during his Virginia-based music festival, introducing 91裸聊视频淟Vers,91裸聊视频� a playful take on the state91裸聊视频檚 slogan, 91裸聊视频淰irginia Is for Lovers.91裸聊视频�
Playing on the LV codes, Williams91裸聊视频� collaboration with American pixel artist E.T. for a digital motif and the use of Henry Taylor91裸聊视频檚 micro-embroideries added a further dimension to his debut lineup. The collection was replete with pixelated designs on a broad spectrum of pieces, alongside the Damier pattern 91裸聊视频� which graces the house91裸聊视频檚 bags 91裸聊视频� amplified in shades of yellow and black.
Channeling gender-fluid appeal, Williams showcased an exhaustive show spanning checkerboard-patterned denim to a sophisticated cream evening jacket. The line, marked by photo prints of the Pont Neuf and a uniquely designed coat with a shaved monogram motif, also underscored his flair for distinct aesthetics.
As the show drew to a close, an emotional Williams emerged to take a bow, wiping away tears and pointing skyward in a heartfelt thank you. The applause that followed was a thunderous affirmation of the musician91裸聊视频檚 successful transition into the realm of luxury fashion.
Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press
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