A conversation with Pharrell about bringing the show to Hong Kong and Virgil Abloh's legacy.
A conversation with Pharrell about bringing the show to Hong Kong and Virgil Abloh's legacy.
Pharrell Williams made a grand entrance into Hong Kong for the first-ever Louis Vuitton Men's Pre-Fall 2024 show, held against the iconic backdrop of the city's skyline. The event attracted global celebrities like Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Rihanna, and more, marking a spectacular debut for Pharrell as he showcased his second collection with the luxury brand.
The strategic choice of Hong Kong as the show's location emphasized Louis Vuitton's focus on the Asian market. The collection, inspired by the vibrant cityscape of Hong Kong and its sunny beaches, featured Pharrell's signature use of vibrant colors accentuating traditional patterns like the Damier.
Pharrell shared insights into the concept of the show, describing it as inspired by a Hong Kong businessman's week-long holiday in Hawaii, interrupted by a return to the city for an unavoidable meeting. The archetypes chosen included a sailor and a holidaymaker, with floral inspirations, exotic color combinations, and intriguing pairings of colors. The collection embodied a futuristic take on chic resort wear.
The show carried emotional significance as it took place a few days after the second anniversary of Virgil Abloh's death. Pharrell, acknowledging Abloh's legacy, expressed his commitment to upholding and revering it during his tenure at Louis Vuitton.
In a conversation with Hypebeast, Pharrell discussed the continuation of Abloh's legacy and shared a touching story about the origin of "LVERS," a concept tied to Virginia's state slogan, "Virginia is for Lovers." The connection to Abloh's visit to Pharrell's Something In The Water festival in Virginia and Pharrell's subsequent visit to Paris to support Abloh symbolized the deep ties between them.
Pharrell's collection seamlessly integrated skate culture, a hallmark of Abloh's design ethos. The runway showcased modern silhouettes reflecting Pharrell's vision of a contemporary, versatile man transitioning effortlessly from beachwear to formal attire. The footwear range included bold sandals and sneakers inspired by formal loafers, with the Damier pattern making an appearance on suede mules.
The runway pieces featured a beach theme, with island getaway fantasies depicted on shirts, duffle bags, and full suits. Pharrell's "LVers" motif adorned staples like denim shirts and varsity jackets, culminating in a drone show that spelled out the text in the sky.
Pharrell's Louis Vuitton Men's Pre-Fall 2024 collection in Hong Kong represented a harmonious blend of vibrant aesthetics, cultural influences, and a heartfelt dedication to the legacy of Virgil Abloh.
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