Pharrell Williams, the ever-evolving creative director of Louis Vuitton, is back with another collection that seamlessly blends fashion and cultural moments. This time, he sets his sights on the upcoming Olympic Games, using the global competition as a springboard to celebrate humanity itself.
The show, titled “Le monde est à vous” (The World Is Your Oyster), unfolded at the UNESCO headquarters amidst a sea of country flags. Models walked around a giant orb, a powerful symbol of unity, on a lawn splashed with the brand’s iconic checkerboard pattern.
Forget about literal sportswear interpretations. This collection is an ode to human diversity, with a color palette reflecting the various skin tones of athletes and fans from around the world. “This is the eve of the Olympics and so we wanted to tell a story about beautiful people and untapped potential, and that’s pretty much what you see with the line,” Williams shared with WWD. “This is just our homage to mankind, and how we can be kind when we come together.”
Williams’ signature brand of universalism shines through once again. A key collaboration in this collection is with Air Afrique, a Parisian cultural collective inspired by the iconic Pan-African airline. This partnership goes beyond clothing and luggage, even extending to a prelude film featuring children as United Nations delegates – a powerful message of global unity.
Luxury takes center stage alongside the message of unity. Think fur jackets, crystal-encrusted coats, sharp tailored suits, and a bedazzled Carryall bag – just a taste of the dozens of opulent looks that graced the runway
The collection isn’t solely focused on the Olympics. Williams playfully explores various themes, including aviation with pilot overalls and MA-1 flight jacket variations. Exotic skins get a modern twist with a new pixelated python pattern dubbed “Snake-o-Flage.”
Soccer fans will delight in a range of football-inspired pieces, from leather and sequin-embroidered jerseys to a soccer ball-shaped bag and a signature footprint sole soccer shoe. This capsule collection perfectly aligns with the rising trend of footballers embracing stylish pre-game and training attire.
Williams’ signature upbeat energy translates into the collection’s soundtrack. An original composition, “Triumphus Cosmos,” has all the makings of an anthem, a fitting sound for a collection celebrating global unity and athletic achievement.
Written By Eyram Rafael
