Pharrell Williams: GQ’s Designer Of The Year, [Interview]

Pharrell Williams, named GQ’s Designer Of The Year, has expanded his role at Louis Vuitton, where his office now includes a recording studio. Over 20 months, Pharrell has made his mark, balancing multiple creative projects like his Lego biopic Piece By Piece and his role as Met Gala co-chair. Known for his multitasking, Pharrell blends fashion, music, and film in what’s become known as “The Pharrell Era” at LV.

Focused on joy and humility, Pharrell values his journey from public housing and now feels like an artist-in-residence at LV. His work, including the Cowboy collection and the UNESCO show, promotes inclusivity and connection, reflecting his desire to unite people across divides. Rejecting polarizing politics, Pharrell emphasizes action over rhetoric, especially in his philanthropic work in Virginia.

Pharrell On Drake Buying & Melting His Jewelry

Pharrell Williams launched his auction platform, Joopiter, by selling custom jewelry from what he calls his “hubris era.” After parting with the pieces, Pharrell felt a sense of freedom, realizing how much they had weighed on him. Drake bought much of the jewelry and mentioned melting it down in a song. Pharrell wasn’t bothered by it; for him, selling the jewelry was about releasing both the physical items and the emotional attachment they held.

Pharrell Reflects On His Role At Louis Vuitton: Gratitude & Creative Freedom

Pharrell Williams describes every day at Louis Vuitton as a privilege, feeling blessed to be in a position where his ideas can come to life. He contrasts his current role with his humble beginnings, acknowledging the challenges he’s overcome. While Louis Vuitton’s large structure can sometimes slow things down, Pharrell feels heard and appreciated. He sees his position not as a traditional job, but as part of a creative “house,” where he enjoys the freedom of working like an artist-in-residence without a traditional boss.

Pharrell Discusses His Working Relationship With Pietro Beccari & Bernard Arnault At Louis Vuitton

Pharrell Williams praises Louis Vuitton CEO Pietro Beccari for his strategic support, which empowers Pharrell’s creative process. He also speaks highly of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, admiring his ability to combine business acumen with cultural foresight. Pharrell describes their conversations as forward-thinking, touching on the future of the industry. He mentions working on projects with Moët and Tiffany, alongside their philanthropic efforts, which he refers to as “tithing“—giving back to the universe.

Pharrell Rejects Political Binary & Clarifies Comments About Taylor Swift

Pharrell Williams addresses misconceptions from a previous interview, where he was falsely accused of dissing Taylor Swift. He clarifies that he never mentioned her by name and affirms his love for her. Pharrell criticizes the media for creating divisions and expresses his belief that both right-wing and left-wing ideologies are essentially the same. Rejecting the political binary, he emphasizes his stance for love and peace, choosing not to conform to any political category or share every opinion.

Pharrell Discusses Inspiration Behind LV Collections & UNESCO Show

Pharrell Williams shares that his Louis Vuitton Cowboy Collection was inspired by his father’s love for Westerns and Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel “Paris-Dallas” show, serving as an homage to both. He also reflects on the complex process of designing his UNESCO show, where the models’ skin tones shifted from dark to light, prompting him to think about race and humanity. Pharrell explains that the goal was to connect people through color, creating a sense of universal belonging, much like the unity seen in the Olympics.

Pharrell Williams Discusses His Evolving Role At Louis Vuitton, Aging In Hip-Hop, & Influences From Fashion & Music

Pharrell Williams shares how his role at Louis Vuitton has allowed him to dedicate more time to music, integrating it into his design work. He reflects on aging in hip-hop, citing Pusha T and Jay-Z as examples of artists maturing gracefully, while also acknowledging André 3000’s thoughtful perspective on the genre. Pharrell expresses his disinterest in trends, preferring projects that align with his vision rather than following popular clichés. He also discusses his admiration for designers like Rei Kawakubo, Chitose Abe, and Jonathan Anderson, praising their simplicity and boldness in design.

Pharrell Williams Discusses Future At Louis Vuitton & His Ongoing Work

Pharrell Williams addresses speculation about his future at Louis Vuitton, clarifying that his work there feels like it’s just beginning. He expresses his passion for system, strategy, and structure, and emphasizes the importance of working quietly behind the scenes. Pharrell focuses on unlocking new ideas and reimagining the industry without seeking constant validation or progress reports.

Check out the whole interview here!