PARIS — In an extravagant display during Paris Fashion Week, celebrities like Bradley Cooper gathered at the Louvre as Louis Vuitton turned the historic venue into an elaborate stage showcasing streetwear. The entrance was chaotic, with limousines congesting the roads, and crowds jostling to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
Once inside, the excitement amplified as an orchestra set a dramatic mood for Pharrell Williams’ new menswear collection for Louis Vuitton, the flagship brand of the LVMH conglomerate. This collection marks a collaboration between Pharrell and Nigo, the creative director of Kenzo, another LVMH label, offering an immersive exploration of Japanese and urban styles.
The designers skillfully merged Pharrell’s Americana-influenced flared trousers and rugged denim with Nigo’s preppy silhouettes and exquisite Japanese craftsmanship, creating an appealing blend that represented both Eastern and Western influences.
In this vibrant collection rich in streetwear elements, cherry blossom designs adorned stylish varsity jackets. Pharrell’s iconic rugged denim and flared pants featured touches of traditional Japanese craftsmanship brought in by Nigo, including intricate stitching, shibori-inspired techniques, and contemporary street fashion influences.
Although visually captivating, some pieces seemed to clash at times, with combinations like baggy Asian cropped pants paired with Western-style bomber jackets occasionally producing conflicting aesthetics. The collaboration did showcase the distinct inspirations of both designers, effectively presenting their unique styles.
One of the standout features of the show was the accessories, with Speedy bags displayed in fresh color variations, including a striking Sakura-pink.
The designers characterized their partnership as “a symbiosis between an archivist and a point of reference,” emphasizing the need to respect Japanese artistry while preserving Louis Vuitton’s commitment to craftsmanship. Pharrell highlighted Nigo’s unique preppy streetwear vision, which complemented the detailed designs and playful elements reminiscent of his work with Kenzo.
Such collaborations, while not common, are becoming more noticeable in the fashion world. A notable example is the ‘Fendace’ collection by Versace and Fendi in 2021, which showcased the innovative results of combining two designers’ creative perspectives.
The transformation of the Louvre’s historic Cour Carree into a modern runway elevated the show’s prestige. The juxtaposition of dramatic lighting and sleek white decor against the classical structure added a unique flair. Large glass-fronted boxes illuminated at the finale revealed archival Louis Vuitton pieces, underscoring the brand’s ethos of blending tradition with contemporary innovation.
The suspenseful orchestral music, reminiscent of Hitchcock films, heightened the ambiance, creating a cinematic experience that intensified as models showcased the collection.
Bradley Cooper was among the various high-profile guests, underscoring the event’s allure across different cultural arenas. The audience included film icons such as Adrien Brody and Bradley Cooper, alongside K-pop stars J-Hope and Jackson Wang, who brought their enthusiasm with them. Renowned musicians like Travis Scott, J Balvin, and Future added to the event’s star power, while basketball sensation Victor Wembanyama was seen rhythmically tapping along to the music, symbolizing the unity of the elite from various fields.
