So... Pharrel is the new creative director for LV Mens! So I thought its a good time to look at what he's done for the scene.
Style
Pharrell’s personal style is one that has always been a talking point around his name. The trucker hats, the shades, the skater Ts, baggy jeans, zip-ups and excessive jewellery are all items we've repeatedly seen him rock in the early 2000s. It’s undeniable Pharrel propelled one of streetwear's most iconic style trends.
Man of Culture
Pharrell’s ability to be himself and his indulgence in many different elements of culture makes him a well-rounded character FOR THE JOB. He knows what sells, how to utilise hype and thoroughly understands how consumers think and engage with each other.
BBC, Ice Cream and Bape
In 2003, Pharrel found his own streetwear brand, Billionaire Boys Club, along with his business partner NIGO. A year later, they found Ice Cream, a sub-label of BBC. Apart from a couple of collaborations with Bape, Pharrel was considered one of their biggest ambassadors to date. All three labels have been some of the most in-demand names in streetwear and his involvement in them serves as a good portfolio for his experience in fashion.
LV History
His work with LV in the past only adds to this portfolio and IS probably A BIG contribution as to why he was eventually chosen. He was the mastermind behind one of LVs bestselling items, the Millionaire sunglasses back in 2005. A few years later in 2008, he designed The Blason collection for LV which included an array of jewellery pieces.
Collabs on collabs on collabs
His collaboration with LV was isn't the only collab in his locker. Pharrell boasts over 20 collaborations including some with Moncler, Adidas, Richard Mille, Chanel and even an upcoming collaboration with Tiffany and co.
Now this news came with a lot of split opinions. It's very black and white where one side is either totally for it and agrees it makes sense, while the other side believes we should give it to "real" designers who "deserve" that position.
Personally, it came as a surprise but I'm almost indifferent about the selection. What I don't like is how Pharrell is being disrespected whether its direct or indirect.
Pharrells career consists of being a producer, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur & fashion designer. A diverse career coupled with accolades like Pahrrels deserves nothing but respect and I think it's unfair to say he's undeserving of the position. Yes, Pharrell may not be a traditional designer, however, he has a successful track record when you take into account BBC, Ice cream and his multitude of collaborations.
However, I can definitely understand the point about bringing in a traditional designer. I think a lot of it comes down to perspective and values. How people see fashion differs from person to person purely because of large the industry is. I'm a strong believer that good work always comes to light regardless of time.
When you consider his relationship with Virgil and their similarities, I feel like in terms of continuing what Virgil did, Pharrell was the correct choice. I feel other designers would've taken LV another route unidentical to what Virgil did. And overall, I think most people can agree Virgil did a good job at LV considering the route he transformed the brand into.
I think it's also important to consider LV's current strategy. They've openly stated they aim to move beyond fashion to transform itself into a “cultural brand” operating across sports, music, art and media as well as design. LV isn't your traditional fashion brand anymore and is instead looking to embrace modernity. With Pharrell being a multi-hyphenate himself, he is one character that aligns with LVs new goals, similar to how Virgil did. I wouldn't be surprised if other brands start to follow suit with this strategy of embracing new-age consumer behaviour.