Despite making a remarkable debut in Paris as the new men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams was quick to clarify that the title of “Louis Vuitton Don” remains firmly in the hands of Kanye West.
In a recent display of humility and respect in the fashion world, Pharrell Williams, the newly appointed men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton, honored Kanye West with the title “Louis Vuitton Don” – a moniker that has followed West since his early days in the music industry.
Williams, who made a remarkable debut with his first runway show for the French luxury house, found himself in the spotlight of the industry during Paris Fashion Week. As the stars assembled at the iconic Pont Neuf bridge, Williams unveiled his much-anticipated collection to a guest list glittering with celebrities from the worlds of music, fashion, art, and sports.
However, even as he took center stage, Williams was quick to redirect the attention towards Kanye West, insisting that he is the true “Louis Vuitton Don”. This was captured in a post-event video where music producer Swizz Beatz tried to bestow the title on Williams, only to be interrupted by the humble director.
“No, no, no, no,” Williams interjected. “I am a student. The ‘Louis Vuitton Don’ is the great Kanye West. That’s the Louis Vuitton Don. I am the pupil king, forever a student.”
Despite his new position at the helm of Louis Vuitton, Williams insists on a learning mindset, dubbing himself the “Pupil King”. The sentiment reflects his commitment to continuous growth, even as he has ascended to one of the highest roles in fashion.
The star-studded audience, including Naomi Campbell, Lenny Kravitz, Kim Kardashian, and Jared Leto, watched as Williams made his debut, receiving an exclusive Damier print envelope filled with treats from the collection. Despite the exhilaration of the moment, Williams remained grounded, paying homage to his late predecessor, Virgil Abloh, and expressing his overwhelming gratitude.
“I pinch myself every day,” Williams revealed to the New York Times. He compared Louis Vuitton’s Paris office to a castle, with the Seine River serving as its moat. Yet, even within the grandeur of his position, Williams stays rooted in his self-proclaimed role as a perpetual student.
The recognition of Kanye West as the true “Louis Vuitton Don” underscores the respect and camaraderie between these two titans of music and fashion. It is a testament to West’s enduring influence on the industry and a reminder that even as the torch is passed, the legacy of the Louis Vuitton Don continues to blaze a trail in the world of luxury fashion.
