Bringing American Dandy to the Elegance of France

Following his Pre-Fall 2024 show in Hong Kong, Pharrell Williams returned with another impressive presentation of his latest collection. Kicking off the first official show of Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2024, Pharrell took the audience to the Fondation Louis Vuitton to introduce his third runway show for the fashion house.

Continuing the LVERS theme – a bridge between Virginia and Paris – Pharrell elevated the standards once again. One cannot forget Pharrell’s debut show that captivated all eyes and was followed by his Hong Kong presentation, featuring a memorable skyline backdrop and a drone performance to conclude the show. Before the show, Pharrell teased the collection on his Instagram Skateboard page with many Western-inspired motifs. From cowboy hats with distinctive LVERS branding to Timberland boots with embossed lettering, Pharrell brought elements of American and hip-hop mainstream into high fashion. The show invitations came with a harmonica, an accessory closely associated with his cowboy persona.

Rural and Western-inspired patterns were brought to the runway as Pharrell delved deeper into the origins of American Western wear. With travel as a focal point for the fashion house, exploring the roots of American workwear took center stage as it transformed into Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire showcase. Through embroidery and craftsmanship, the collection highlighted the mainstays of American Western attire. Pharrell paid tribute to the workwear garments already present in American Western wardrobes by amplifying styles from denim to blanket coats to Buffalo Check and Western trousers rooted in cowboy aesthetics. Louis Vuitton’s take on Western style evolved alongside the elegance of American Western wear, featuring cowboy shirts, embellished workwear styles, and cuffed detailing.

Embracing the theme of American Western style, the collection collaborated with artists from the Dakota and Lakota nations on accessories, stage setups, and even the soundtrack. The collection was curated by Creative Director Dee Jay Two Bears. Artists also collaborated to create Speedy bags, handbags, and travel bags embroidered with the Dakota Flower symbol. Staying true to the aesthetics of American workwear, the collaboration with Timberland saw iconic workwear boots interpreted through Louis Vuitton’s creative lens. From cowboy hats to leather hats and gloves adorned with buckles and gemstones, the collection showcased the rugged elegance of the plains. The show also featured performances by Native American indigenous artists. Of course, Pharrell had a hand in the unique soundtrack, featuring original pieces like “The Spirit of Saturday Night Live” by Native Voices of Resistance x Pharrell Williams, “Good People” by Mumford & Sons and Pharrell, “Shotgun Wedding” by Pharrell and Jelly Roll, and “Doctor” by Pharrell and Miley Cyrus.