All smiles prepping for the slopes in Louis Vuitton.
(LOUIS VUITTON)

Here’s an unexpected discovery: Google “Pharrell Williams” and “ski” in whatever permutation you can think of and you’ll come across a number of videos of skiers dancing to Williams’ infectious “Happy” hit. One video has even racked up 7.5 million views on YouTube. They’re largely from 10 years ago when, inspired by Williams’ official music video, fans of the song decided to create their own interpretations in the thousands—and for some reason, a number just so happens to be of people at ski resorts.

No one could have predicted that years down the road, Williams would go on to design ski wear. Louis Vuitton’s latest ski collection is Williams’ first as the Maison’s men’s creative director and, as one would expect, takes reference from the principles of his menswear proposals.

Louis Vuitton is no stranger to the sport, of course. It first released a ski-focused capsule collection in 2021 and has since continued to build on the aesthetics across both ski and après-ski offerings. This latest collection carries through the functionality required to participate in the sport with the infusion of state-of-the-art sustainability elements. Recycled fabrications are heavily used to construct ski suits and shell suits in order to limit the use of virgin materials and thus, reducing environmental impact. It may not exactly be the first consideration of any avid skier, but given the need to be more mindful of our environmental impact, and not to mention help ensure a future where skiing isn’t lost to climate change, it’s a welcome one.

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The collection employs Williams’ Damoflage motif—a reimagining of Louis Vuitton’s Damier checks as a camouflage pattern—as an arctic adaptation that’s referred to as Damoflage Snow. The wintry palette of Damoflage Snow adorns everything from a technical ski shell suit (so that you’re a blur on the slopes) and an après-ski fleece tracksuit to accessories such as technical ski mittens and a reversible wool beanie. Damoflage Snow also informs the colour palette of the entire collection that’s replete with blacks, greys and whites.

On the more technical front, the collection has pretty much everything covered. Ski trousers are voluminous and padded, and a technical ski underlayer and its matching leggings are both crafted in mixed materials for extra protection. The LV Blizzard boot is constructed to be both durable and waterproof with an inside sock function as well as snow-proof ankle drawstring and ruching, while the LV Trainer and LV Trainer Snow have been reconstructed into technical waterproof performance sneakers. And to keep your eyes protected, the LV Snowfall ski mask is water- and fog-resistant, and crafted with a UV-protection, three-layer mask insulation with an adjustable strap (monogrammed of course) to ensure a comfortable, customised fit.

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So, does Williams ski? Based on this first collection alone, he likely does. Or at the very least, has managed to put himself in the boots of a skier to create a collection that melds style and ski functionality—and that should make this season’s skiers rather happy.

(GABRIEL MOSES)

Before he was a prince, a wizard and a master of the air, Callum Turner was a model. Runway. High fashion. Louis Vuitton Spring 2009: the London lad was clad in an all-white 'fit of Paul Helbers' design.

So, becoming an ambassador for the luxury stalwart feels like a 360° moment for the actor who’s just a swish and a flick away from becoming a household name.

“I’ve always loved LV from way back when, and I truly enjoy the full circle part of joining the guys,” he exclusively tells Esquire.

For the customary announcement shoot, LV kitted him out in its yet-to-release men's Spring/Summer 2025 collection (his prop, a supersized sakura shade Speedy) showcased in June at Paris Fashion Week Men's.

(GABRIEL MOSES)

Turner says they're the kind of pieces he would wear for “going out out”—a phrase we're sure went over a few heads in Paris—but also “for every day”. He's not surprised that Pharrell, “a constant influence” in his sartorial choices, designs clothes that align with his style. “I love Pharrell in everything he does,” expresses Turner. “His clothes are incredible, [and] the collection is fresh and cool and exciting.”

Speaking of fresh and cool and exciting, Gabriel Moses was the photographer on set, much to Turner's delight: “It was nice to work with a fellow south London boy all the way in Paris. We had a lot of fun.”

The buzzy British-Nigerian photographer is something of an LV ambassador himself, having shot several moments for the maison during Pharrell's reign and walked in the first show designed by the musician-turned-creative director.

Once a Louis Vuitton man, always a Louis Vuitton man, it seems.

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Originally published on Esquire UK

Musicians and fragrance makers use different senses but share the same goal: capturing a vibe. And if there is one thing Pharrell Williams understands, it is how to capture a vibe. (If you doubt that, please put down this magazine, play the song “Happy” and reacquaint yourself with reality.)

So when you hear that the idea behind his debut fragrance for Louis Vuitton was to bottle the scent of the sun, it doesn’t sound quite as off-the-wall as it might coming from someone with a more literal approach to the world. Master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud clearly saw the potential, working with Williams to distil an amorphous concept into something you can smell by focusing on the process of photosynthesis.

“It may sound abstract, but if you look at life, photosynthesis is the starting point for everything,” Belletrud says in discussing the new scent, LVERS. He and Williams lean heavily on an ingredient called galbanum, a Persian plant resin that smells, in a word, “green”—almost overwhelmingly so. Imagine the rainforest floor just as the light cuts through the canopy, burning off the mist and bringing everything to life, and you’ve got the idea.

LVERS eau de parfum (LOUIS VUITTON)
Ryan Slack

Cedar and sandalwood anchor the fragrance in the impression of tree trunks warming in the sunlight, while bergamot and ginger give it a fruity, zesty top note that fills the nose at first spritz but dries down to something more subtle (and just a little sexy, too). The scent speaks to the overall feeling Williams is cultivating as creative director of Louis Vuitton Men’s—something open and optimistic, opulent yet not ostentatious.

You can even see it in the bottle, which filters the golden-hour hue of the eau de parfum itself through a prismatic finish. Watch the colours dancing off the surface, spray the liquid on your skin, and there it is, clear as day: a vibe, perfectly captured.

When the invite to the Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear runway show stated that it was to be held at Paris’ Jardin d’Acclimatation, a recreation of a Western film set was not something anyone could’ve imagined. Yet, there we were, standing next to a shiny, red food truck with an equally red sign (the kind that welcomes you upon crossing state lines in the United States) emblazoned with “Paris LVirginia”.

It was only men’s creative director Pharrell Williams’ third runway show for the Maison but there’s already a sense that the menswear shows are slated to be multi-sensorial experiences. If Williams’ debut on Paris’ Pont Neuf—in view of LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc and La Samaritaine as well as the Louis Vuitton headquarters—included a live band and choir, the Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear show took things a step further.

Past the red sign, the show space brought the American West to Paris. Massive screens spanned the entire indoor circumference, depicting a desert landscape that gradually changed as the full line-up of the collection made its way down a rust-coloured Damier runway. Snow eventually covered the rocky formations and sparse vegetation, culminating in a finale that saw faux snow raining down the show space as powwow group Native Voices of Resistance—comprising singers from Native American nations across North America—captivated with a stirring performance. The show’s soundtrack too featured three more original songs all composed by Williams himself.

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In some ways, Williams is continuing the trajectory that his predecessor, the late Virgil Abloh, set Louis Vuitton on—a maison that’s beyond the old-fashioned notions of what a luxury fashion house is. The Louis Vuitton menswear universe especially, is a cultural brand that’s ever-growing and expanding; it’s quintessentially Parisian in essence but draws influences from its global community. It echoes the core of Williams’ LVERS vision where the Maison’s core values of discernment, savoir-faire and travel are seen as a collective eternal source of vitality.

The Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear collection is a more tightly edited interpretation of the LVERS vision yet. The design aesthetic is clear. Drawing from a foundation of American Western workwear classics with heavy doses of denim, embroidered cowboy shirts, fringed leather jackets and more, the ready-to-wear pieces are reimagined with Louis Vuitton motifs and craftsmanship. Yes, there’s a string of looks drenched in the Maison’s Damier or LV Monogram motifs, but all artistically and creatively tweaked to reflect the collection’s theme. The closing look made sure to get the point across with a suit crafted from leather that was then painstakingly studded to decorate the entirety of the two-piece in the Damier motif.

The details put into each look further elevate the collection from straying into costume territory. Embroidery is a consistent application throughout on denim jackets, Western-style shirting as well as tailoring, while turquoise beading and embellishments are clever extensions of Williams’ penchant for pearls. Leather belts and cowboy hats are trimmed with metal buckles featuring kitschy versions of Louis Vuitton signifiers but grounded with a timeless visual approach to them.

What needs to be appreciated up close are the collection’s bags. While they are dressed in the Maison’s classic fabrications, the Autumn/Winter 2024 iterations are purposely treated to appear sun-eroded and worn out as though they’ve been through several desert heatwaves and sandstorms. They are still as recognisable as any other Louis Vuitton creation, save for the fact that they have much more character to them yet still leaving room for further actual wear and tear.

Williams covered all bases in ensuring that the workwear aspect of the collection is taken seriously. A collaboration with Timberland seems almost unavoidable. The footwear of the collection already took notes from work boots of the American West but the collaboration doubles down on the authenticity through the trusted know-how of the American brand. They’re peppered with Louis Vuitton details on leather accents as well as on the back of each tongue. But as with all things luxury go, especially in the cleverly marketed realm of Louis Vuitton, a number of special editions made their appearance on the runway encased in plexiglass shoe trunks.

The more important collaborations however, are the creative exchanges with artists from the Dakota and Lakota nations. Led by creative director Dee Jay Two Bears of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Dakota Flower motif appears on a number of bags and accessories, parfleche-inspired graphics are hand-painted on Keepalls, and charms are plumed with horse hair. Not only do these collaborations echo Williams’ LVERS vision, they also pay due reverence and respect to the cultural nuances of the American West that are often left out of whitewashed conversations and depictions.

The pomp and circumstance of the show are what you’d expect from Louis Vuitton. But look beyond all that and you’d discover a collection that truly celebrates and showcases what its design ethos is all about: highlighting a global community.

1. Wings III sunglasses, RAY-BAN

Straight out of the '80s, the Ray-Ban Wings sunglasses were favoured by pilots due to the look and quality. The brand has since brought back the style in a number of iterations, with this latest one being a combination of the original and the Wings II. It maintains the squarish frame of the latter with an elongated taper that extends slightly towards the sides for more coverage. The brow bar remains a key fixture, making the style ever-enduring.

2. Soul Trunk East West bag, LOUIS VUITTON

Pharrell Williams has a penchant for softness in Louis Vuitton’s bags. His Soul Trunk East West bag is a new supple take on the Maison’s trunk-making heritage; featuring reinforced corners and a duo of straps for maximum versatility of wear. The main compartment is secured with a zipper but there’s also a magnetic closure (fashioned to look like a trunk’s clasp) for quick reach into the interior while keeping the bag closed.

3. EVOA Z luggage, SAMSONITE

The sleek appearance of the second-generation EVOA Z is a Trojan horse for the top-tier functionality that the Samsonite luggage is known for. Some of the nifty design elements: a small but mighty hanging hook is integrated right below the pull handles to hang light items, zipper pullers are fixed with magnets so that they bind together to prevent theft, and the wheels glide with maximum smoothness and manoeuvrability.

4. Cap, POLO RALPH LAUREN

The signature embroidered Pony logo of Polo Ralph Lauren makes for a subtle statement. It calls to mind the preppy aesthetic steeped in the brand’s history. Created using precisely 982 individual stitches, the logo sits front and centre on this BetterCotton twill cap. We don’t have to tell you just how indispensable a good cap is but just know that with this particular piece, the pairings are almost limitless.

5. Dyson OnTrac headphones, DYSON

Listen, we get that the Dyson Zone headphones (you know, the one with the air purifier attachment) seemed like a joke. And to be fair, perhaps Dyson knew that too. The brand’s latest audio device removes the extraneous feature and focuses solely on the audio quality and ANC. What we got: the Dyson OnTrac that's customisable wth a range of colours for its caps and cushions.

6. Reverso Tribute Duoface Small Seconds, 47mm pink gold case with leather strap, JAEGER-LECOULTRE

The Reverso is a revolutionary icon that stood the test of time. This latest iteration is a throwback to earlier models including a classic chemin de fer, applied hour markers and dauphine hands. Both sides of the timepiece feature a sunray dial—one lacquered in blue and the other in silver—for a classically elegant look whichever way you choose to turn to.

7. Triple Stitch Monte shoes, ZEGNA

The Zegna Triple Stitch is a definite winner in our books. Already traipsing the line between casual and dressy, the brand takes it up a notch with an iteration that is tailored for more outdoor pursuits. The Triple Stitch Monte (Italian for “mount”) is fitted with Vibram soles for increased traction, all the while retaining the look and silhouette of the original.

8. Dior Sauvage Eau Forte, DIOR

For better or worse, the Dior Sauvage has quite the reputation—you either love it or don’t quite fancy it. The Dior Sauvage Eau Forte however, would easily satisfy both camps. The essence of Sauvage is still present but reimagined in an alcohol-free formula that’s light and fresh while having the intensity of a parfum. In other words, you probably won’t be assaulting anyone’s nose with this.

9. Elsa Peretti Bone ring in yellow gold, TIFFANY & CO.

The distinctive Bone ring, a reincarnation of Elsa Peretti’s iconic 1970 Bone cuff design, has to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated. Its sinewy contours make for a subtle statement, but it is also sculpted to conform to one’s finger or knuckle. There is no restriction of motion despite its size and fits comfortably like second skin.

10. Extreme 3.0 duffel, MONTBLANC X ZINÉDINE ZIDANE

Everyone needs a throw-all duffel in their arsenal. This collaboration piece between Montblanc and football legend Zinédine Zidane runs high on the list of the perfect duffels. For starters, it’s incredibly roomy yet lightweight at the same time. The inside is thoughtfully designed with organisation compartments and loops, and of course, the exterior is as handsome as they come with Montblanc’s subtle Extreme 3.0 motif.

Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistants: Aliy Alam and Nowo Kasturi

Fringed leather jacket, shirt, trousers, Soul Trunk bag and LV Rider boots, LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton men's creative director Pharrell Williams tapped on Western Americana for his third runway collection for the Maison. Replete with Western motifs—think old-Western cowboys, denims, heavy buckles and more—the Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear collection twists these elements with the Maison's signature design vocabulary for a contemporary take on workwear silhouettes.

Sure, they may be primed for the desert and rough terrains (especially with the collaboration with Timberland) but the collection is equally suited for the city with craft-centric versatile pieces. Any way the wind blows—that's pretty much where you'd be able to wear them.

Blazer, denim shirt, denim jeans and Louis Vuitton x Timberland 6-Inch Ankle Boots, LOUIS VUITTON

Photography: Shawn Paul Tan
Styling: Asri Jasman
Grooming: Christian M
Photography Assistant: Chaw Wei Kang
Model: Hayate O at MANNEQUIN

1. Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m, 41mm on steel case with steel bracelet, OMEGA

Handsome and unbelievably sleek, the Seamaster Aqua Terra is a watch you’d reach for time and again. The simplicity of the timepiece is marked by a beautiful lacquered black varnish dial set against a symmetrical stainless steel case. At the back is a screw-in caseback that’s accented with a wave-edged design; a nod to Omega’s maritime heritage. It isn’t a flashy piece and it doesn’t have to be if you’re already comfortable in your own skin.

2. Speedgoat 6 trail running trainers, HOKA

Trail runners require the best cushioning and support; Hoka’s Speedgoat 6 has them in spades. The latest iteration of the Speedgoat trail-running series is refined with a breathable textile upper, an internal support chasis to keep the foot snug and in place, a plusher dual gusset tongue and a revised lug orientation. It’s a surety that whatever one encounters on the trail, the feet are always protected.

3. Re-Nylon backpack, PRADA

There is a certain genius to Prada’s constant explorations of abject uniformity and turning staples into something more inspiring. The latest incarnation of Prada’s Re-Nylon backpack stays true to its archival, timeless style. And yet, it’s modernised with a detachable leather strap wide enough for the backpack to be carried in a stylish, rakish manner.

4. Deep Sleep pillow spray, THIS WORKS

Getting a good, deep sleep is as important as keeping to a healthy lifestyle—you can’t exactly do one without the other. This Works’ Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is a blend of lavender, camomile and vetiver oils that together, encourage the mind and body to zen and zone out. Spritz your pillow when you’re about to head to bed and let the aroma lead you to a soothing state for better sleep.

5. Three Wood single malt scotch whisky, AUCHENTOSHAN

Auchentoshan’s Three Wood has that warm and uplifting aroma you would expect from a single malt. It’s then heightened by a complex flavour profile. Matured in three different cask types— American Bourbon to Spanish Oloroso Sherry to Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks—the profile has notes of fruits and hints of cinnamon, lemon and butterscotch. An irresistible oaky sweetness lingers for a smooth finish.

6. LV 6-Inch boot, LOUIS VUITTON X TIMBERLAND

Pharrell Williams’ Americana-themed AW24 menswear collection for Louis Vuitton is replete with workwear codes. Timberland’s classic 6-Inch style is a quintessential workwear piece that’s adopted into mainstream fashion so it made sense for Williams to introduce an LV reimagined designed. The silhouette remains, with leather LV Monogram accents around the collar as well as the tongue lining; it won’t be difficult to make this pair work for you.

7. Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle eau de parfum, ACNE STUDIOS

To bottle up the essence of Acne Studios into a perfume, the brand worked with renowned perfume maker Frédéric Malle. The nose of the resulting eau de parfum is by Suzy Le Helley, who balanced aldehydes with natural floral notes—rose, violet and orange blossom—and the creaminess of vanilla, sandalwood and white musk. “Like a comforting mohair sweater,” says the brand and we couldn’t agree more.

8. Morning Machine Lite coffee machine, TANCHEN X MORNING

Local coffee-tech brand Morning makes its flagship machine a tad simpler to use. The Morning Machine Lite retains all the beloved features of the original with the exception that there are only five preset recipe slots available—less fiddling through, especially if you’re a creature of habit when it comes to your brew. This model is also a limited-edition design in collaboration with Tanchen Studio. Only 50 units are available for each of the two colourways.

9. H Riviera pillow, HERMÈS

The Hermès universe is an extensive one and it includes a luxurious homeware selection. Decadent and soft to the touch, the H Riviera pillow is crafted from a blend of merino wool and cashmere in variations of orange hues. The design may have taken inspiration from an advertising visual back in 1929, but is undoubtedly timeless in every way. A piece of luxury in your living room? What a brilliant way to wind down every day.

10. Mania portable speaker, FENDI X DEVIALET

It’s style meets technology meets tradition—Fendi and Devialet come together to bring back the vibes of lugging a boombox. Packaged in the small but mighty Mania portable speaker, the Fendi x Devialet version is wrapped in the former’s FF motif that you’d easily mistake for a fashion accessory. Perfect when you’re making a declaration of love à la Say Anything.

Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistants: Ng Kai Ming and Syed Abdullah

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Earlier this January, the Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear runway show explored the American Western roots of workwear, blending the Maison's craftsmanship with dandy-esque elegance, utility, and comfort. The Men’s Workwear Capsule Collection—a core part of the Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear collection—reflects the meticulous LVERS ethos guided by creative director Pharrell Williams.

Focusing on the versatility and durability of the refined suits and overdyed jacquards, the capsule collection features reimagined workwear staples in browns, blacks, and beiges. Western-inspired yokes and leather appliqués adorn trucker jackets and coats with sculptural cuts, echoing the American workwear's functional lines. They're complemented by turquoise-like buttons, pearls, embroideries, and studs as a beautiful showcase of the Maison's savoir-faire.

(LOUIS VUITTON)

Doubling down on the workwear inspiration, Louis Vuitton introduces the Keepall 50 Toolbox: a utilitarian take on the Maison's iconic bag. Crafted in natural leather with its preserved earthy nuance, the Keepall 50 Toolbox echoes the rugged functionality of American workwear with multiple exterior pockets, rivets, and lined in coated Monogram canvas.

The capsule completes the accessories line-up with an engraved flash and cigarette case reminiscent of the American West, along with a silk scarf paying homage to its key accessories.

LV x Timberland

The Men’s Workwear Capsule Collection by Pharrell Williams is further enhanced by a collaboration with Timberland. Synonymous with workwear, the American brand is a fitting partner to showcase Louis Vuitton's craftsmanship applied to the real-life practicality of its footwear.

The reimagined LV x Timberland 6-inch boot—developed with Timberland and crafted in the Maison's Italian shoe atelier Fiesso d'Artico—is available in two designs. Each iteration features premium Italian nubuck leather, an insulation system, and seam-sealed waterproof construction. The boots are distinguished by their signature rubber lug outsole detailed with LV Monogram embossing (a treatment that's also visible on the underside of the tongue), LV eyelets, and leather tag adornments.

Amplifying the 6-Inch silhouette by 15 per cent is the LV x Timberland Boot. Available in five distinct styles, each features a robust rubber lug outsole. An ankle boot in wheat or black grained leather is adorned with a Monogram-embossed tongue lining and leather tag details; a ranger boot features an extended shaft, lace hooks and strap embellishments; a pull-on mid boot is topped with bag puller accents; and a pull-on harness boot with side buckles and a harness. All of the five styles are available in either wheat or black colourways.

LV x Timberland 6-Inch ankle boot, LOUIS VUITTON
LV x Timberland 6-Inch ankle boot, LOUIS VUITTON
LV x Timberland ankle boot, LOUIS VUITTON
LV x Timberland ankle boot, LOUIS VUITTON
LV x Timberland mid boot, LOUIS VUITTON
LV x Timberland mid boot, LOUIS VUITTON
LV x Timberland ranger boot, LOUIS VUITTON

But the most impressive and available in limited-edition quantities of 50, is the LV 6-Inch Exceptional Edition. Designed in collaboration across Louis Vuitton's shoe, jewellery, and hard-sided experts, this unique boot features Classic Monogram premium Italian leather with bespoke rubber lug outsoles for an extra distinctive touch. The boots are also adorned with 18K gold LV tongue initials, eyelets, lace tips, and tag hardware. Engraved on the LV tongue initials is "THE SUN IS SHINING ON US", echoing sentiments from Williams' debut Louis Vuitton show last June. And true to form, this Exceptional Edition is housed in a custom Monogram leather and plexiglass shoebox with VVN trims, as showcased on the Autumn/Winter 2024 runway.

The Men’s Workwear Capsule Collection by Pharrell Williams is now pre-launched online and on the LV app. The capsule collection will be available at the Louis Vuitton Marina Bay Sands Island Maison from 8 August 2024.

One of the coldest rappers in the game, Terrence LeVarr Thornton, aka Pusha T, has just been named as the new House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton. Pusha T is no stranger to high end fashion, having sported some of the coolest, most original fits over his long career, whether on stage, in music videos, or caught by the paparazzi, so it makes sense that LV’s creative director, Pharrell Williams, would appoint his old buddy and longtime musical collaborator as the new face of the iconic fashion house.

With their latest collection at Paris Fashion Week clearly inspired by The Wild West, it will be interesting to see what Pusha T ‘s own fashion aspirations bring to the table.

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Pusha T’s new role highlights Louis Vuitton’s vision of fusing fashion with other stratospheric creative industries, bringing powerful storytelling to the realm of menswear. And if you needed a reminder of how well Pharrell and Pusha work together, refresh your memory with their 2002 classic below.

Originally published on Esquire ME

The Louis Vuitton Malle Courrier isn’t just one of the most enduring of the famed French fashion house’s designs—it’s the literal foundation of the entire company. And it’s the story of this trunk that’s at the heart of the first episode of Esquire’s new series, Iconic, which details some of the most recognisable and resilient items in the fashion world.

Back in the middle of the 1800s, before his initials were one half of the name of luxury juggernaut LVMH, Louis Vuitton himself revolutionised the luggage industry with a flat-topped, stackable trunk better suited to the uptick in rail and boat travel than its rounded predecessors. And the biggest innovation? Instead of using leather to protect the wood it was built from, Vuitton’s trunk employed lightweight-but-tough canvas that wasn’t prone to rotting in a baggage hold midway across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Louis Vuitton trunk was such a smash hit that other companies soon began copying the distinctive striped pattern of the original canvas. This led to the creation of the unmistakable Monogram canvas that we all know so well. A combination of the letters "L" and "V" with Japanese-inspired flower motifs, it was like nothing else on the market and an instant status symbol.

These days, though, identifiable imagery doesn’t hold the same value it once did in the fashion world. In fact, modern luxury’s emphasis on logos and signifiers doesn’t quite hit the mark. True luxury is defined by the work that goes in behind the scenes, the craftsmanship and know-how that inform the construction of goods that serve a real purpose and just so happen to elevate our experience of the everyday in the process.

That’s the idea behind Iconic. It’s not about names or brands or flash. It’s about the substance that earns these items their lofty place in the world—and maybe, eventually, your own collection.

Originally published on Esquire US

Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2025 menswear runway show wasn’t just a fashion show—it was a statement, a rallying cry wrapped in Damier checks and cosmic prints. Set against the symbolic backdrop of the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the collection is titled “Le Monde est à Vous” (The World is Yours) and was a high-concept blend of sartorial exploration and cultural commentary. If Williams' previous shows for the Maison tapped into specific countries and cities as points of references, this time, it was a call for global unity and shared responsibility.

Before the models hit the runway, the audience was treated to a short film created in collaboration with Air Afrique, a Pan-African cultural collective. The film featured young “child diplomats” tackling global issues. It was equal parts moving and ambitious, underscoring Louis Vuitton’s evolution into a cultural powerhouse rather than just a luxury label.

At the venue itself, the lower levels of the UNESCO headquarters were transformed into orchestral pits housing both the Voices of Fire choir and L’Orchestre du Pont Neuf. They provided the live soundtrack to the show with upbeat vocal stylings and instrumentation to three original compositions produced by none other than the creative director himself.

The fit: The Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2025 menswear collection was effectively a love letter to humanity. It kicked off with a muted palette—blacks, browns, and beiges—that hinted at the grounding of shared human experience, before blooming into greens and blues, straight out of a satellite image of Earth. These tones weren’t just aesthetic choices; they underscored the idea of diversity and universal inclusion. Think tailored double-breasted suits, relaxed pajama-inspired sets, and collarless leather jackets paired with Louis Vuitton’s trademark boldness. Pieces like a glossy red PVC anorak and slouchy cargo shorts delivered runway drama without alienating the everyday dresser.

And then there was the printwork. Pharrell introduced a fresh take on the Damier motif with “Damoflage”—a hybrid of camouflage and cartographic designs. Globe-inspired prints appeared on bombers and foulards, turning fashion into a celebration of connectedness.

The details: Soccer ball-shaped bags and tartan luggage nodded to the universal language of travel and sport, while cheeky details like “YOUR NAME” printed on customisable bags added a playful edge. The Air Afrique collaboration continued on in a number of ready-to-wear pieces, scarves, stoles and bags as Damier-infused tartan as well as a co-creation of travel-inspired logos. And much like Williams' interpretation of the iconic Keepall, the collection introduced a Soft Leather Goods line—the Alma, the Christopher and the Neverfull were crafted in super supple leather with aged VVN trimmings and decorated with brown Monogram.

Three exceptional looks: Look 8's chic proposal of a translucent mock-neck paired with jewelled trims; look 39's classic Louis Vuitton aesthetic twisted with softer nuances; and look 72's football-inspired ensemble that has never made football more appealing to any non-fan.

The takeaway: A collection for the jet-set, the dreamers, and everyone in between.

View the full Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2025 menswear collection in the gallery below.

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Now that Milan Fashion Week Men's is done, we're heading to Paris where Louis Vuitton will kick things off with its Spring/Summer 2025 menswear show by Pharrell Williams. This will be Williams' third menswear show, and with the previous two taking references from cultures and experiences around the world, his latest offering may perhaps take on a similar slant. But perhaps, as "Le monde est à vous" is what the show is being called—literally "the world is yours"—it may be even bigger than before.

For confirmation of what the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2025 menswear collection will look like, stay tuned for the show this Wednesday. And for an even closer look at the collection, follow @esquiresg on Instagram as we bring you the action live from Paris Fashion Week Men's.

What: Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2025 menswear runway show
Where: Paris, France
When: Wednesday, 19 June 2024 at 2.30am Singapore time

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