The design evolution of Pharrell Williams

Music producer, singer, songwriter and designer, Pharrell Williams, earlier this year made waves in the world of fashion with his appointment as the creative director for menswear at the prestigious luxury fashion brand, Louis Vuitton. Set to unveil his highly anticipated debut collection on June 20, for the storied brand at Paris Fashion Week, this is not Williams' first foray into the world of design. Thanks to a rich history of partnerships (ranging from sunglasses to even a cutlery set), showcasing his creativity and artistic vision, we expect the show to be full of surprises. While we have already been given a sneak peek into what to expect with his latest drop on the gram, featuring Rihanna, here's diving deep into the captivating history of collaborations he has to his name.
 

ADIDAS

Williams' long-standing partnership with Adidas dates back to 2014, when the renowned musician first joined forces with the iconic sportswear brand. Their collaborative efforts resulted in a design range featuring the Adidas Superstar track jacket and timeless Stan Smith shoes, available in captivating hues of red, blue, and black. In 2015, his creative journey with Adidas continued, this time in collaboration with late architect Zaha Hadid. Hadid contributed her visionary touch by designing exquisite white trainers for the collection, showcasing a stunning architectural aesthetic. In 2018, he once again collaborated with Adidas and drew inspiration from the vibrant colours and patterns found in East African flags—curating a stunning range of trainers and athletic wear. The collection was called Solar Hu. The collection beautifully captured the essence of East African culture while maintaining the utmost standards of luxury and style.

 

CHANEL

Chanel X Pharrell collaboration as fondly described by former creative director Karl Lagerfeld highlights their remarkable partnership. He is the first man to feature in a Chanel handbag campaign and has also walked the runway for the renowned Metier's d ‘Art fashion show twice. In 2017, Williams designed the Chanel X Adidas Originals Hu NMD sneakers. A 500 pair limited edition, these sneakers garnered an astonishing waitlist of 1,20,000 eager enthusiasts. Continuing his creative journey with Chanel, he worked with Lagerfeld and current creative director Virginie Viard in 2019 to create a captivating capsule collection. This collection unveiled a dynamic fusion of vibrant, edgy, and streetwear aesthetics, transcending Chanel’s iconic realm of timeless tweed skirts and dresses. It also showcased an array of round sunglasses, vivid-hued hoodies and sweatshirts with sparkly logos, graffiti printed t-shirts, oversized shopper bags, stylish bucket hats, and more.  

 

LOUIS VUITTON

Prior to his prominent role as creative director, Williams had established collaborations with Louis Vuitton. In 2004, he embarked on a creative journey with the then creative director Marc Jacobs to curate an extraordinary eyewear collection. The drop featured the 'Millionaire Sunglasses' with rounded frames and gold hardware embellishments. The sunglasses were initially released in red and later re-issued in 2007 in black, blue, and teal. In 2008, he went on to design an extravagant fine jewellery collection for the brand which included exquisite rings, bracelets, chains and reversible pendants made from gold and embellished with diamonds. Each piece exuded a timeless charm and sophistication, representing the perfect blend of his creative vision and Louis Vuitton’s unmatched craftmanship. 

 

MONCLER

This collaboration with Moncler in 2010 resulted in a line of outerwear, with the puffer vest being a standout piece. The vest's lining drew inspiration from Japanese artist Keita Suguira's designs, and the textiles used were sourced from Williams' own company, Bionic Yarn. This innovative company specialises in creating fabrics from recycled plastic bottles, making the collection not only stylish but also environmentally conscious. In 2013, the vest made a striking comeback, relaunched in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and blue, capturing attention once again. He also designed the Lunette sunglasses collection for Moncler in the same year. Described as a blend of futurism and fifties style, these oversized and lightweight sunglasses featured frames crafted from a single piece of titanium.

 

MOYNAT

For Moynat, Williams collaborated with the brand to introduce a collection of bags inspired by trains. This collection showcased a vibrant array of leather pouches alongwith silk and muslin scarves, adorned with captivating locomotive motifs. However, the pièce de résistance of the collection was the remarkable 'Train Bag'. Crafted meticulously from wood and resin, this unique clutch bag was sculpted in the shape of a train, adding a touch of whimsical charm to the entire collection.

 

G-STAR RAW

Williams has collaborated with the brand on two occasions—in 2014 and 2015—to launch three remarkable collections. These collections were centered around denim garments, all crafted from recycled plastic sourced from the ocean. In addition to the sustainable denim pieces, the collections also featured sweatshirts adorned with uplifting slogans that promoted the initiative and its positive impact on the environment. 

In addition to all his previous collaborations, Williams has also teamed up with other brands—like Comme des Garçons where he created a captivating fragrance, and with Uniqlo to design a line of statement tees, infusing his distinctive style.
In 2020, Williams joined forces with Pentatonic to address the pressing issue of sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they created a unique cutlery set made from recycled CDs, providing a practical and eco-conscious solution. This innovative kit included a foldable spoon, fork, knife, straw, and chopsticks, neatly packed in a compact case for convenient portability.

Pharrell Williams' impact on the fashion and design industry has been significant. He has emerged as a trendsetter and influential figure, leading the way for other pop stars in the world of fashion. His vibrant and street-inspired style has compelled luxury houses to reimagine their classic designs and embrace his bold aesthetic. No surprises then that with such notable achievements and partnerships under his belt, Williams' debut collection as the lead creative for Louis Vuitton's menswear is highly anticipated.