LOUIS VUITTON MENS FW2025 Review
Throughout history, we have been consistently presented with the concept of a highly effective pair. “The Dynamic Duo”: Batman and Robin, Sonny and Cher, Kobe and Shaq… and fashion’s own contribution, Pharrell and Nigo. With more than 20 years of friendship and collaboration, Pharrell and Nigo have spent their respected careers pivoting pop culture and redefining the rules of fashion as we know them today. It's only fitting that a coveted Louis Vuitton collaboration would take place between the Dynamic Duo, given Pharrell’s directorial authority at the Grench luxury fashion house.
The Fall/Winter 2025 Louis Vuitton Menswear show presented the collection through the scope of “Remembering the Future”, which aimed to create value for the archives of 20th and early 21st century memorabilia through the eye of contemporary artistic style. The reflection of Dandyism, an artistic style characterized by elegance and sophistication, was introduced through the intersections of formal wear, work wear, and street wear crafted by Japanese clothing designer Nigo and his counterpart, the East Coast musical icon and designer, Pharrell Williams.
The show was, objectively, enjoyable to watch. The clothes are good and were shown with a story behind the concept and creation. However, what this show failed to do was present a collection re-constructed of new and original ideas. Good clothes do not make for an original or compelling collection. Though Pharrell’s fifth show at the house, echo of his first 2023 show is still heavily present today. This nostalgia may be enticing for the digital consumer but causes hesitation with the retail consumer.
Pharrell pictured at the 2023 F/W Louis Vuitton Menswear Show with the “Million Dollar Speedy”
In regards to the business, Louis Vuitton (and luxury houses alike) will always be able to capitalize on the accessory portion of their collections. Sunglasses, shoes, fragrances and bags are dependable items popularly purchased in the luxury retail space. For someone in Pharrell’s position, there are 2 important questions their business manager will ask:
Does your collection captivate audiences?
Will it sell?
In Pharrell’s case, he admittedly excels at creating unique accessories and bags. And the accessories sell, which is important in remaining in his position. But what else? What else can Pharrell Williams introduce at the luxury design house to add on to his legacy as a creator?
The collaboration between him & Nigo will sell well based on the GOAT'ed collaborative spirit of the Dynamic Duo, but what then? The futuristic creativity Nigo and Pharrell were hoping to communicate to audiences simply fell short.
Dynamic Duos have always been a beacon of hope through partnership, giving life to the belief that “we” can get the job done. But what can be expected of Batman if Robin is not around? When Kobe didn't have Shaq anymore? In this case, what is to be expected of Pharrell without his dynamic counterpart Nigo? I am still hoping to see Pharrell take his creativity at Louis Vuitton to grandiose statures, but for now there is room for growth & improvement on reflecting the future he is hoping to build.
