Pharrell Williams began Men’s Paris Fashion Week by presenting a streetwear-focused show for Louis Vuitton. The collection, designed in collaboration with Nigo, the artistic director of Kenzo, highlighted their 25-year friendship and Louis Vuitton's dedication to influencing the streetwear culture. Nigo was initially recommended by Williams to become the creative director of Louis Vuitton, but the position was later offered to Williams himself.
The show, titled 'Streetwear and Dandyism,' emphasized Louis Vuitton's dominance in the market, as streetwear is projected to reach a value of $637 billion by 2032. The collection featured Y2K-inspired elements, vibrant colors, and Japanese motifs, paying tribute to the designers' first meeting in the early 2000s and their subsequent collaborations.
The inspiration for the fall/winter 2025/26 collection came from Williams' recent visit to Japan, where he went fishing with Nigo and unexpectedly caught a lobster. The lobster motif became a prominent feature in the collection, adorning bags and clothing. The show included 85 looks, encompassing trucker jackets, washed denim, and other streetwear staples.
While Milan's Fashion Week celebrated faux fur and old-school glamour, Paris offered a more relaxed and playful assortment. The alternating styles showcased the evolution of the designers' friendship over time, combining Nigo's love for Japanese workwear with Williams' East Coast aesthetic.
The collection successfully balanced old and new, bringing together elements of streetwear and tailored luxury. The show concluded with an illuminated LV chest displaying a curated selection of clothing and collectibles from both Williams and Nigo's archives, emphasizing their roles as both creators and consumers.
Overall, Pharrell Williams' collaboration with Louis Vuitton reaffirmed the brand's position as a leader in shaping the future of streetwear, while also celebrating the enduring friendship between Williams and Nigo.
