When it was announced that musician and celebrity entrepreneur Pharrell Williams would lead operations for menswear at Louis Vuitton as the French Maison's latest creative director, the reactions were divided. It had drawn massive criticism by the time it escalated on social media, and debates amongst disappointed and excited fashion adversaries were heated - to say the least. The exchanges were divided into two factions: one citing the announcement as troubling news to grasp, seeing that Williams might be "unqualified", while the other saw the potential of Williams' influence on Louis Vuitton. Between the noise, however, both sides agree on one thing that the announcement was inevitable.
Williams' appointment puts the term "creative director" in a unique position. During the weeks leading up to it, the rumours surrounding the French Maison's replacement for the late-Virgil Abloh placed their faith in rising British designers Martine Rose and Grace Wales Bonner as the most suitable candidates. It made sense. If Louis Vuitton considered replicating Abloh's previous culturally-led success, Rose and Bonner - black designers with an "underground" design pedigree were their most obvious choices. What can Williams - known for radio-friendly pop hits "Happy" and "Get Lucky", much less sewing shirts or crafting leather bags - bring to the table that neither designer might be able to? The answer is pretty simple. It provides a sense of culture, which is essential, especially when it can be instant, digestible and just like Williams' hit songs be far-reaching and memorable.
この記事は MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia の June/July 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia の June/July 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Time Splitter
The TAG Heuer Monaco's latest incarnation at Watches & Wonders Geneva personifies Haute Horlogerie D'Avant-Garde.
One More Dance
Dior heads to one of Venice's most important bays for the Naumachia Ball, designed as the maison's third tribute to the glorious Italian city.
Life, In A Slow Dive
Despite the contradictions and opposing forces acting against Slowdive, the shoegaze pioneers have reunited a little more comfortable in their skin, a little surer in their voice, lifting their chins up a little higher to look into the bright-eyed, blissed-out audience that stand beyond their feet.
Turn A New Leaf
ZEGNA documents its essence in Born in Oasi Zegna: The Book-a vessel for legacy, a conduit for conversation through time, and a plethora of nature's amusements to inspire generations to come.
Setting The Scene
The introduction of the M Social brand in Europe makes staying at century-old European hotels anything but a stuffy, old-fashioned experience. Their secret? A refurbishment in 2021 that has varnished historical, opulent spaces for the interest of the youth, as seen at M Social Hotel Paris.
Italian Decadence
For its second instalment of Kingdom Collection, Royal Salute pays tribute to the magnificence of Italy.
Razor Thin
Piaget demonstrates their technicity in ultra-thin watchmaking with the Piaget Ultimate Concept Tourbillon.
Grade 2x-5
Bell & Ross renders the Bell & Ross BR X-5 with a monochromatic black and grey take.
Nature's Affinity
Grand Seiko's dressy variant of the much-loved \"White Birch\" materialises at Watches & Wonders Geneva with an alternate dial motif.
In Conversation With Laurent Lecamp
Montblanc Watch Division managing director Laurent Lecamp dissects the underlying message of this year's novelties.
