PARIS — On Tuesday night, the iconic Louis Vuitton brand welcomed a star-studded crowd, including the likes of Bradley Cooper, to the Louvre, turning its historic center into a breathtaking platform for streetwear during Paris Fashion Week.
Outside the venue, limousines congested the streets, creating a scene filled with anticipation as eager fans struggled to catch glimpses of the arrivals.
Inside, an air of suspense enveloped the atmosphere, enhanced by an orchestra that set the mood for the debut of Pharrell Williams’ latest menswear lineup for LV, a premier label under the LVMH umbrella.
This season saw Pharrell collaborating with Nigo, the creative mind behind Kenzo, another prestigious label within LVMH, delving into a fusion of Japanese influences and urban culture.
Their partnership merged Pharrell’s Americana-inspired flared trousers and robust denim with Nigo’s relaxed yet preppy silhouettes, alongside intricate details rooted in Japanese craftsmanship, resulting in a seamless blend of Eastern and Western styles.
**The Collection – A Cultural Fusion with Style**
The collection was heavily influenced by streetwear, boldly intertwining various cultural elements and styles, featuring cherry blossom designs on embroidered varsity jackets.
Pharrell’s well-known rugged denim and flared pants, which have become his fashion trademark, received a fresh twist with Nigo’s signature touches, showcasing traditional Eastern stitching, shibori-inspired techniques, and urban flair.
Yet, amidst the visual splendor, there were moments where the myriad of styles—including loose Asian cropped pants paired with Western bomber jackets and camouflage patterns—felt somewhat disjointed, reminding attendees that two creative minds were at work.
Accessories took center stage, with Speedy bags showcased in a variety of novel hues like a delicate Sakura-pink.
**Voices of the Designers – A Fusion of Visions**
Described in the program notes as “a symbiosis between an archivist and a point of reference,” Pharrell stressed the significance of respecting Japanese artistry while staying loyal to Louis Vuitton’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.
Nigo contributed a playful, preppy streetwear aesthetic, balancing meticulous attention to detail with the whimsy characteristic of his Kenzo brand.
Though unusual, collaborative ventures like this have occurred in the past; notable was the ‘Fendace’ collection in 2021 by Versace and Fendi, which showcased the collaborative ingenuity that can arise when two distinct creative visions come together.
**An Orchestral Runway Experience**
The legendary Cour Carree of the Louvre transformed into an avant-garde runway for the event, adding an element of grandeur.
Dramatically lit settings and stark white decor contrasted beautifully with the classical architecture of the venue, while large glass boxes surrounding the circular stage illuminated at the show’s conclusion, displaying archival Louis Vuitton pieces that exemplified the label’s philosophy of intertwining heritage with innovation.
A suspenseful soundtrack intertwined with Hitchcockian aesthetics elevated the ambiance to cinematic levels, ultimately transitioning into a rhythmic bass pulse as the collection paraded past.
**A Star-studded Gathering**
The Louis Vuitton guest list mirrored the brand’s extensive cultural footprint, featuring a mix of icons from film, music, and sports.
With Hollywood stars like Adrien Brody and Bradley Cooper in attendance, the event also welcomed K-pop sensations J-Hope and Jackson Wang, whose presence brought their significant fanbase along.
Additionally, music legends such as Travis Scott, J Balvin, and Future added a dynamic edge to the evening, while basketball star Victor Wembanyama, spotted enjoying the music, represented the athletic elite.
