Editor’s Note: As Pharrell Williams, a co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, appears the May cover of Vogue, we revisit this analysis of his personal style.
Monsieur Louis Vuitton might have been trunkmaker to an empress, but Pharrell Williams—who will made his debut at the French house in 2023—has even closer ties to royalty, having fashioned himself “son of a pharaoh.” In advance of that event Williams posted a picture of himself atop an LV pyramid of wood on Instagram. Was it a manifestation of the “room without a roof” he sings about in his hit song “Happy”?
Having walked runways and been a muse, collaborator, and designer, Williams is no stranger to fashion, or to Louis Vuitton. His relationship with the French luxury house dates back about 20 years. “Where it all started” is the caption he attached to a photo from 2004 in which he’s wearing a Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami scarf with a varsity jacket. Beyond that, there’s the 2006 “Say Somethin” video with Mariah Carey, shot in the Paris flagship store; the eyeglass collaboration for the house with Nigo; and the Blason jewelry collection of 2008. As the first collection proved, the creative director takes cues from his own closet. Though he shed some of his sartorial past through sales on his auction platform, Joopiter, the performer has a clear style identity that’s built around denim and messaging, motos and diamonds, and camo and cardigans. The creative director is loyal to the brands he’s (co)founded, Billionaire Boys Club, Icecream, and Humanrace, and to the companies he’s collaborated with, including Adidas. In addition to Louis Vuitton, in the past he’s worn a lot of Chanel and Comme des Garçons.
With a vibe that is casual but cool, and an emphasis on fabrics that have patina or soft textures, Williams introduces structure into his wardrobe via military-inspired garb and short suits. He also has a penchant for jewelry and a taste for statement shoes and the occasional topper. Who can forget the Buffalo hat, designed by Vivienne Westwood for World’s End, that he wore to the 2014 Grammy Awards? As with his music, Williams is able to work across genres to come up with something that is signature Pharrell.Here, an analysis of Williams’s personal style.
Both Sides Now
Williams has a 360-degree view of fashion, having been a model, muse, creator, and customer.
Sunnies With Star Power
The multihyphenate brings new perspectives to the industry.
School of Rock
Varsity Jackets are a blast from Pharrell’s past.
Motorhead
Williams has more recently graduated to zipped leather.
Shorts for Day…
…and Shorts Suits at Night
Voices Carry
Williams’s taste ranges from fanny packs to ludicrously capacious bags.
West Is Best
On the runway and the street, Williams rocks western style.
Singing the Blues
Pharrell takes the narrow route when it comes to double denim.
Camouflage
This performer has nothing to hide.
Punk Revival
The hat that stole the 2014 Grammys.
Pin Codes
Camo isn’t the creative director’s only reference to military kit.
Budapest Hotel
Williams occassionaly indulges in some Wes Anderson-like whimsy.
Diamond Life
Williams makes important jewelry a menswear must.
Going Gatsby
Williams can be a very dapper rapper indeed.
Leave a Message
Pharrell communicates positivity through his music, philanthropy, and even his garb.
Mad for Plaid
Williams adds a bit of Nirvana edge to a Freeman’ s Sporting Club vibe to great effect.
The Cardigans
Long or short, a button-up knit is Williams’s staple.
Beautiful Duets
Matching sets are a win in Williams’ book.
Statement Shoes
Pharrell sometimes lets his footwear do the talking.
