Pharrell Williams' sophomore collection for Louis Vuitton showcases the American and Native American spirit

PARIS (AP) — It was the Wild West meets the American melting pot at Louis Vuitton's fall-winter 2024 men's show on Tuesday, where the musician-turned-designer… Pharrell Williams unveiled his long-awaited sophomore collection.

Set against the dramatic silhouette of the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, the show deftly channeled Americana, mixing Native American designs with modern luxury and showcasing Williams' unique vision of power.

Celebrity guests, including Bradley Cooper, Omar Sy and Carey Mulligan, gathered to view the rock-strewn landscape evoking the rugged terrain of an idyllic America. The collection itself was a vibrant celebration of the American spirit, buoyed by the famous confidence of Williams – an acclaimed music star and a newcomer to fashion design at this level.

The designs focused on loose proportions, reflecting a modern take on classic American silhouettes. Models – both male and female – walked the runway wearing leather cowboy hats, cowhide bags, and checkered denim jackets emblazoned with bull insignia, their cowboy boots marked with shiny metallic dots. The rodeo jackets were resplendent with intricate embroideries, showcasing the luxurious craftsmanship synonymous with the brand. Brand owned by LVMH.

The show highlighted dazzling Vegas-style suits – striped jackets paired with flared trousers, exuding an energy reminiscent of the city's famous Strip. The collection also included oversized jackets, including a gangster-style fur coat, in a bold reinterpretation of traditional Western wear.

However, the soul of the collection is its collaboration with Dakota and Lakota artists, a partnership that can be seen in the intricate designs on scarves, bags and blankets in floral and geometric patterns that tell stories of heritage and identity.

“Farrell wanted to highlight the Native American spirit,” Rebecca Brady, 54, a Native American from Newtown, North Dakota, told The Guardian. “He wanted to show that we are still here, we are still resilient.” News agency.

Far from fashion, the event turned into a cultural spectacle. VIP guests enjoyed Louis Vuitton-branded hamburgers at a champagne-soaked barbecue, symbolizing an exotic blend of high fashion and classic Americana. The atmosphere was also electric with performances by Mumford & Sons and artists from Native American nations.