By At the Paris Fashion Week, Pharrell Williams, serving as the creative director of menswear for Louis Vuitton, showcased his fourth collection in the gardens of the Unesco building. The show, which was prefaced by a video on Instagram, highlighted the significance of diversity and the international essence of the venue. As the event unfolded, it became apparent that the collection drew inspiration from major sporting events like the Olympics and the Euros.
The fashion presentation was replete with nods to sports, particularly football, with models donning “LVFC” emblazoned shirts and accessories such as a football-shaped bag adorned with Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram. References to motocross were also evident. It’s noteworthy that LVMH, the parent company of Louis Vuitton, is a sponsor of the Olympic Games.
Despite the fashion industry’s shift away from fur, Williams has chosen to maintain its use in his designs, which included four fur outfits in this show. This decision has drawn criticism from animal rights organizations like Peta.
Post-show, Williams, clad in his signature style, mingled with celebrities such as Burna Boy, Stormzy, Michael Fassbender, and French basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama. Williams expressed his enthusiasm for the Olympics but emphasized that the collection’s theme transcended sports, aiming to celebrate “human athletic prowess” and the beauty of humanity across all skin tones.
The collection aimed to reflect unity and inclusivity, showcasing designs that complemented the diverse skin tones of the models. When questioned about his continued use of fur, Williams defended it as a creative choice, equating it to the use of leather and emphasizing respect for differing opinions, which he views as a cornerstone of democracy.
