The Good, the Bad and the Louis - Pharrell Opens Paris Fashion Week with a take on the American West in his third runway collection.
To close out the first day of Paris Fashion Week, Pharrell Williams, the creative director of Louis Vuitton unveiled his third runway collection. Inspired by the American wild-west style, the collection blends contemporary, mass-appealing pieces with classic rose-embroidered dress shirts and bolo ties.
wild-west on the runway
The show began with Native American drumming as the models strutted out onto a burnt dust-filled ground. Backdropped by a barren desert filled with rocky canyons and dry plains, the catwalk circuited around the 1200 guests. As the show went on, the desert backdrop gradually added fog and snow elements, juxtaposing the Wild West desert theme with the winter and fall purpose of the collection. Williams crafted the pieces under the blanket of “worker wear”, reflecting the grit associated with the classic American West.
Emphasizing a "worker wear" motif, Williams highlighted the ruggedness of the American West. This theme was notably present in his collaboration with Timberland. The Louis Vuitton x Timberland boot, maintaining its classic look but with subtle Louis Vuitton branding, was a key element, reinforcing the collection's hard-wearing yet fashionable ethos.
unique details
A striking feature was the use of turquoise embellishments, reminiscent of Tiffany & Co.'s signature blue. This vibrant hue added a splash of colour against the earthy tones of the western palette.
reimagining a classic
Williams also used this color in the Speedy bags showcased throughout the collection. This vibrant rendition of the classic handbag first hit the runway in June of 2023, inspired by the bootleg vendors on Canal Street, New York. They were prominently featured in spring/summer campaigns, with the bag's traditional coated canvas used on the uppers, replaced with soft calfskin leather.
the inspiration
Williams shared his inspiration for choosing the American Western theme. He aimed to challenge the traditional media portrayal of cowboys, pointing out the historical presence of black and Native American cowboys. "They looked like us. They looked like me," Williams commented, offering a fresh perspective on an iconic part of American history.
