Back in June of 2023, a cultural event occurred on the Pont Neuf in Paris. A gathering of music, art, film, fashion, and sport’s ultimate all-stars came as one to support the debut show of Louis Vuitton’s newly appointed men’s creative director, Pharrell Williams. Here, VMAN explores the ready-to-wear pieces that serve as the French fashion house’s latest blueprint.

“When you come from a culture that has been purposefully blocked and set in disadvantaged situations, you can’t imagine what’s even possible. But there’s this narrative that’s changing. So many of us are being swept up from one place and landing in fertile soil in other places, and being treated and watered and sunned like all souls should be. I can say there is an impact in that way, which is changing. It’s not enough but it’s happening. I’m very honored to be
a part of that.”

—Pharrell Williams for VMAN

“When I say the sun is shining on me—and it’s shining on all of us—listen. This is a French house, but they went right back to America and found another Black man, and gave me the keys.”

—Pharrell Williams for VMAN

This story appears in the pages of VMAN 52: now available for purchase!

Photography Benoît Béthume

Fashion Direction Gro Curtis 

Grooming Sofie Van Bouwel

Models Austin Neyt (TIAD), Ashley Coronel Teale (TIAD), Elias Boussy (Known Model Management), Nathaniel Ortiz (Rebel Management)

Casting director William Lhoest

Stylist assistant Jules Hénaut

Location Best Western Hotel Royal Centre