Pharrell Williams Partners with Nigo for Louis Vuitton’s Fall Men’s Collection

Pharrell Williams is once again collaborating with his long-time creative partner Nigo for a highly anticipated fall menswear collection at Louis Vuitton. The collection, set to be unveiled on Tuesday evening in Paris, marks the latest chapter in the duo’s longstanding creative relationship. Their partnership traces back to 2003, when they co-founded the iconic streetwear brands Billionaire Boys Club and Icecream, which played an instrumental role in pushing streetwear into the mainstream fashion consciousness.

In the lead-up to the official announcement, Williams had been teasing the collaboration on his social media, creating excitement among fashion enthusiasts and followers alike. On Tuesday morning, Louis Vuitton confirmed the collaboration with a post on Instagram, which included a visually striking image of Williams and Nigo. The photo, taken through a fisheye lens, shows the two sitting on the floor surrounded by bags, colourful varsity jackets, and sneakers, all set to the soundtrack of The Weeknd and Playboi Carti’s track “Timeless.” This creative visual speaks to the duo’s unique style and their ability to merge streetwear aesthetics with high fashion.

The collaboration between Williams and Nigo isn’t just about fashion; it’s the continuation of a decades-long friendship. Their journey together began when they co-founded Billionaire Boys Club (BBC) and Icecream, two brands that helped to cement streetwear’s influence in luxury fashion. While streetwear was once considered a niche subculture, Williams and Nigo’s innovation helped bring it into the spotlight, proving that high-end fashion and streetwear could coexist and even thrive together. Over the years, they’ve remained at the forefront of this movement, contributing to the evolution of both streetwear and luxury fashion.

Louis Vuitton’s announcement of the collection comes just days before the highly anticipated fashion show, which is set to be livestreamed at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The livestream will allow fashion fans around the world to witness the first look at the new designs created by Williams and Nigo. But the celebrations won’t end there—on Wednesday evening, the pair will also co-host a dinner to mark another milestone in their collaboration. The dinner will celebrate a new sale organised by Joopiter, the auction platform Williams launched in 2022. This event further solidifies the partnership between the two creatives, showing how their influence spans not only fashion but also art, culture, and entrepreneurship.

Nigo, a serial fashion entrepreneur, is no stranger to the world of high fashion. He first gained worldwide recognition as the founder of A Bathing Ape, or Bape, a streetwear brand that became synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and urban culture. Though Nigo is no longer directly associated with Bape, his legacy in shaping the streetwear landscape is undeniable.

In addition to his work with Louis Vuitton, Nigo has enjoyed a successful career in other areas of the fashion world. Since 2021, he has served as the creative director at Kenzo, another prestigious brand under the LVMH umbrella, which also owns Louis Vuitton. His work at Kenzo has been met with critical acclaim, as he’s infused the brand with his signature aesthetic while maintaining its heritage. Beyond Kenzo, Nigo has worked as the creative director for Uniqlo’s UT range and continues to lead the Japanese brand Human Made. Last year, Williams became an advisor to Human Made, further deepening the bond between the two creatives. Williams also has a stake in the label as an investor, solidifying his role in Nigo’s ongoing journey in fashion.

This partnership between Nigo and Louis Vuitton isn’t the first time he has worked with the luxury brand. In 2020, Nigo collaborated with the late Virgil Abloh, Louis Vuitton’s former artistic director for menswear, to create a capsule collection. The success of that collaboration further emphasised the growing intersection of streetwear and luxury fashion.

As Williams and Nigo continue to shape the future of fashion, their collaboration for Louis Vuitton’s fall collection promises to be another exciting chapter in their shared legacy. With the collection’s unveiling just days away, all eyes will be on Paris to see how the duo blends streetwear influences with Louis Vuitton’s iconic luxury design, paving the way for future collaborations between streetwear icons and the luxury world. Whether through their work in fashion, music, or cultural entrepreneurship, Williams and Nigo are undoubtedly two of the most influential figures shaping the landscape of modern luxury fashion.