Pharrell Williams was just named Louis Vuitton's menswear creative director. Here's a look back at how the style icon and business mogul snagged the most coveted job in fashion.

Jordan HartFeb 18, 2023, 22:03 IST

Williams' career has spanned decades, yet there's still more to achieve as the newest mind behind Louis Vuitton's menswear.Jacopo Raule/Getty Images

Williams, 49, got his start as one half of the hip-hop production duo The Neptunes.
He quickly rose to fame for his unique street style and collaborations with Louis Vuitton, Adidas, and Chanel.

Pharrell Williams, 49, and Louis Vuitton confirmed rumors on Tuesday that the musician turned fashion icon would join the brand as its new creative director for menswear.

Hours after unconfirmed reports swelled Williams and Louis Vuitton made the official announcement via an Instagram post.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

Pharrell Williams, 49, and Louis Vuitton confirmed rumors on Tuesday that the musician turned fashion icon would join the brand as its new creative director for menswear.

The Virginia-native started off as a part of hip-hop production partnership The Neptunes with Chad Hugo in the early 1990s.

Since the beginning of his music career, Williams has been nominated for 38 Grammy Awards and has won 13.Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

By the early 2000s, Williams became known for his personal style that was heavily influenced by his own interest in skateboarding, which was uncommon in the hip-hop industry at that time.

Williams has been known by many nicknames throughout his career including "Skateboard P" for his passion for skateboarding.Lawrence Lucier/Getty Images

By the early 2000s, Williams became known for his personal style that was heavily influenced by his own interest in skateboarding, which was uncommon in the hip-hop industry at that time.

His first official venture into fashion happened in 2003 when Williams partnered with Japanese fashion designer Nigo to create sister streetwear brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream footwear.

Williams still operates Billionaire Boys Club and maintains a close relationship with designer Nigo.Gregory Pace/Getty Images

His first official venture into fashion happened in 2003 when Williams partnered with Japanese fashion designer Nigo to create sister streetwear brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream footwear.

A year later, in 2004, Williams collaborated with Louis Vuitton for the first time to co-design a line of eyewear and jewelry — including his iconic "Millionaire" sunglasses.

The iconic red "Millionaire" sunglasses would later inspire the "1.1 millionaires" glasses designed by Virgil Abloh in Williams' honor.Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images

A year later, in 2004, Williams collaborated with Louis Vuitton for the first time to co-design a line of eyewear and jewelry — including his iconic "Millionaire" sunglasses.

Adidas and Williams officially began their professional partnership in 2014, which birthed his "Human Race" collection that included sneakers and later a "Premium Basics" clothing collection.

A Paris Fashion Week attendee wore a pair of sneakers from Williams' Adidas collaboration in 2021.Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Adidas and Williams officially began their professional partnership in 2014, which birthed his "Human Race" collection that included sneakers and later a "Premium Basics" clothing collection.

Over the years, he became known for his iconic style choices that included unique eyewear and giant hats for a while.

Pharrell Williams in Paris, France on February 24, 2014.THOMAS SAMSON/AFP via Getty Images

In 2019, Chanel launched "The Chanel Pharrell Collection" — a capsule collection inspired by his relationship with the luxury brand.

The collection was available at Chanel's flagship store in Seoul, Korea.Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images

In 2020, he launched his own skincare brand Humanrace.

His product line includes face cleanser, body bars, face creams, and more.Nicky J Sims/Getty Images

In 2022, Williams and jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. announced a collaboration on a pair of blinged-out sunglasses that the producer has since been photographed in numerous times.

The eye-catching eyewear is made of 18-karat gold and boasts 61 round diamonds in the frames.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor/Getty Images

In 2022, Williams and jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. announced a collaboration on a pair of blinged-out sunglasses that the producer has since been photographed in numerous times.

In 2022, Williams launched Joopiter, an online auction platform on which he sold some of the most iconic fashion pieces he's worn throughout his career.

The sale raked in millions as Williams sold iconic jewelry and clothes. It's rumored that Canadian rapper Drake purchased many of the items.Joopiter and Johnny Nunez/Getty Images

Williams' predecessor is Virgil Abloh, the first Black creative director at Louis Vuitton, who held the position for nearly three years before his death in 2021.

Abloh (left) and Williams (right) maintained a professional relationship during their careers. Abloh was inspired by Williams' past collaborations with Louis Vuitton.WWD/Getty Images

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Pharrell Williams was just named Louis Vuitton's menswear creative director. Here's a look back at how the style icon and business mogul snagged the most coveted job in fashion.

Pharrell Williams, 49, and Louis Vuitton confirmed rumors on Tuesday that the musician turned fashion icon would join the brand as its new creative director for menswear.

The Virginia-native started off as a part of hip-hop production partnership The Neptunes with Chad Hugo in the early 1990s.

By the early 2000s, Williams became known for his personal style that was heavily influenced by his own interest in skateboarding, which was uncommon in the hip-hop industry at that time.

His first official venture into fashion happened in 2003 when Williams partnered with Japanese fashion designer Nigo to create sister streetwear brands Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream footwear.

A year later, in 2004, Williams collaborated with Louis Vuitton for the first time to co-design a line of eyewear and jewelry — including his iconic "Millionaire" sunglasses.

Adidas and Williams officially began their professional partnership in 2014, which birthed his "Human Race" collection that included sneakers and later a "Premium Basics" clothing collection.

Over the years, he became known for his iconic style choices that included unique eyewear and giant hats for a while.

In 2019, Chanel launched "The Chanel Pharrell Collection" — a capsule collection inspired by his relationship with the luxury brand.

In 2020, he launched his own skincare brand Humanrace.

In 2022, Williams and jewelry brand Tiffany & Co. announced a collaboration on a pair of blinged-out sunglasses that the producer has since been photographed in numerous times.

In 2022, Williams launched Joopiter, an online auction platform on which he sold some of the most iconic fashion pieces he's worn throughout his career.

Williams' predecessor is Virgil Abloh, the first Black creative director at Louis Vuitton, who held the position for nearly three years before his death in 2021.