Louis Vuitton Spring 2025

Pharrell Williams, after the Louis Vuitton menswear display, reflected on the color transition from black through various shades to white, likening it to a tribute to humanity. The show’s narrative was seamlessly integrated with the brand’s rich design history, making it relatable and striking.

The Paris 2024 Olympics initially inspired the show’s theme for Williams, anticipating its worldwide draw. However, the context of France’s snap elections lent the event an additional layer of significance. A notable pattern in the collection, featuring blue, green, and black checks, was reminiscent of Air Afrique’s luggage, symbolizing a conversation about diaspora. This dialogue was championed by artists like Lamine Diaoune, Djiby Kebe, Jeremy Konko, and Ahmadou-Bamba Thiam, who brought their reverence for Africa to the collaboration with Williams. “All hues originate from black,” Williams noted, celebrating the continent’s rich heritage.

The collection showcased a gradual color evolution, mirroring the models’ diverse skin tones, up to the 66th look. Beyond that, the palette and textures intermingled, representing a tapestry of cultures. Williams revisited his iconic camouflage patterns, now infused with pixelated python prints and maps highlighting Africa. The LV damier pattern was reimagined with light brown and vibrant colors, while two leather ensembles nodded to the universal love for soccer.

Amidst the UNESCO House’s verdant setting, the collection oscillated between the personas of a diplomat and a student, exploring various menswear styles with meticulous attention to detail. Williams aimed for subtlety in design, intending for the craftsmanship to speak volumes upon closer inspection, and for the overall impression to convey a global embrace.

The collection’s international outlook shone through in the minutiae, such as enamel map buttons, subtle LV branding, and handcrafted damier patterns. A standout piece was a damier overshirt with a python motif, the result of ten days of labor by thirty artisans. The accessories—bags, jewelry, footwear, and eyewear—formed a constellation of heritage and innovation, featuring soft leather and vintage monograms.

Williams expressed his deep appreciation for his team, describing them as a circle of masterminds whose skills humble him. The show was a sophisticated interplay of luxury and commentary, addressing themes of unity, division, and identity with understated complexity.