Pharrell Williams, the creative director of Louis Vuitton, has launched his second collection for the brand. This time, he pays tribute to true American culture by incorporating Western wear and workwear while focusing on the heritage of the West.
The collection features embroidered trench coats with fringe trim, embroidered denim with paisley print and floral designs, Western-styled tailored suiting, lace shirts with lasso-throwing cowboys, and an array of accessories, including belts, collar tips, bolos, jewelry, and bags.
Pharrell Williams collaborated with Native American designers and artists, including artists from the Dakota and Lakota tribes. They contributed to the accessories with hand-painted and beautiful desert flower embroideries on several versions of the Speedy bag. The opening and closing music was co-composed by Williams and Lakota “Hokie” Clairmont and performed by a group named Native Voices of Resistance. The models, studio team, and the group took a bow with Williams at the end.
In an interview with Vogue.com, Williams explained the inspiration behind the collection, stating, “When you see cowboys portrayed, you see only a few versions. You never really get to see what some of the original cowboys looked like. They looked like us, they looked like me. They looked Black. They looked Native American.”
The collection is a tribute to Native American culture, artists, and designers, who have had a significant influence on fashion for many years. This collection is a representation of the native people of America, and it is exciting to see Pharrell Williams shining a light on minorities and people of color who deserve recognition and respect.
Watch the collection here: