Leading up to the Paris Fashion Week event, Pharrell strategically teased the collection on Instagram, generating significant anticipation. The ButterSoft sneaker became an instant sensation, featuring over 40 colorways adorned with prominent LV branding. Fashion enthusiasts drew comparisons to Pharrell’s legendary Ice Cream Boardflip silhouette from the mid-2000s, while others noted design similarities to the classic Nike Cortez.
The collection is a profound journey into the Y2K skatewear era—a period both Pharrell and NIGO played a pivotal role in shaping two decades ago. By presenting the collection in the Louvre Museum, the designers symbolically elevated streetwear to the status of cultural artifacts, demonstrating their transformative impact on fashion’s landscape.
Nostalgic elements permeate the collection, with Y2K-inspired varsity jackets bringing back the quintessential collegiate aesthetic. Pharrell’s signature vibrant graphics shine through, while unique touches like flip phone key chains transport viewers back to the early 2000s. The collection moves beyond mere reproduction, instead offering a nuanced reinterpretation of a beloved fashion era.
At its core, the collection represents a creative symbiosis between NIGO’s extensive archive of 20th-century workwear and Pharrell’s distinctive stylistic vision. Transformed chore jackets reimagined as knitwear pieces and NIGO’s iconic trucker hats blend seamlessly with Louis Vuitton’s rich heritage, creating a narrative that bridges past and present.
The runway show itself was a meticulously choreographed experience. Guests walked on a Louis Vuitton branded carpet, seated around a rotunda with a live orchestra suspended at its center. Vault-like structures framed the runway, with models weaving through these architectural elements, embodying the collection’s archival themes.
A star-studded audience including Callum Turner, J-Hope, Idris Elba, Chris Paul, Victor Wembanyama, and Travis Scott witnessed the spectacle. A unique moment occurred when J-Hope debuted a new track with Don Toliver, adding musical innovation to the visual feast. An unexpected touch—a lobster motif—stemmed from a spontaneous fishing trip Pharrell and NIGO took in Japan, symbolizing the organic nature of their collaboration.
The “Future Archives” pieces represented the ultimate celebration of their friendship, featuring silhouettes of both creators on key accessories and clothing. As Pharrell and NIGO took their final bow, illuminated structures revealed a curated collection of personal archival pieces, which will be available for auction on JOOPITER.
This collection transcends traditional fashion boundaries, offering a profound narrative about friendship, creativity, and the cyclical nature of style. By looking backward to move forward, Pharrell and NIGO have once again redefined what luxury streetwear can represent.