For Pharrell Williams’ latest menswear collection for Louis Vuitton, the musician-turned-designer took inspiration from the American Western wardrobe.
There was a mix of influences from the Dakota and Lakota Native American communities, to the cowboy culture that was intrinsic to the early epoch of the United States.
Discussing the collection in the show notes, the house described the latest release as “illuminating the roots of the American Western wardrobe.”
“In an exploration of the origins of workwear through the savoir-faire of Louis Vuitton. Employing the finest craftsmanship – from precious gems to hand-painting and expert embroidery techniques – the collection shines a light on the iconography of American Western dress,” the notes continued.
The native people of the land were represented through crafting through traditional methods several accessory pieces in the collection. These included hand-paintings and exquisite desert flower embroideries on several versions of the Speedy bag.
Meanwhile, Native American musician Gunner Jules walked in the show and the music which opened and closed the collection was performed by Native Voices of Resistance and co-written by Native American creative “Hokie” Claremont and Pharrell Williams.
Elsewhere, classic American bootmaker Timberland also joined together with the house for a unique collaboration for the collection, with a nod to the workwear exploration of the house for this show.
