This year’s Valentine’s Day has had its perks. Above all, Louis Vuitton appointed Pharrell Williams as its new Men’s Creative Director. The artist – who had previously collaborated with the Maison from 2004 to 2008, and whose fashion endeavors travel back to his Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream apparel – will reveal his first collection this June during the Men’s Fashion Week in Paris, and we cannot wait.

Williams – a visionary whose content of work has never seen boundaries – is expected to bring a wave of innovation to the brand, addressing some of today’s most urgent subjects. “I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home,” Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO said, adding that “his creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”

With 13 Grammy Awards, including 2004, 2014, and 2019 Producer of The Year, an academy award nomination for his original song “Happy” (Despicable 2), and an Emmy nomination for his original song “ Letter to my Grandfather” for Netflix’s Black Godfather, you might mostly know Pharrell for his musical achievements. However, his pioneer spirit has led him to new realms, making Pharrel one of the most interesting multi-talented artists of today. 

In 2016, he wore the producer’s hat, receiving an Academy Award Nomination for Best Picture-nominated Hidden Figures. In 2018, Pharrel became the narrating voice of Universal’s remake of the classic film The Grinch, wrote the book A Fish Doesn’t Know It’s Wet, and released the Netflix Original series Brainchild. The following year, he devoted himself to philanthropy, funding YELLOW, a non-profit organization that helps all youth realize their potential through education. 

And this was only the beginning. As a longtime advocate against social justice, Pharrell launched Black Ambition, a non-profit initiative that helps Black and Latinx entrepreneurs successfully launch their start-ups in tech, healthcare, and more. Perhaps, however, Pharrel’s most outstanding achievement remains to be an integral part of talks with Virginia Governor Northam about Juneteenth being a permanent paid state holiday.  

There is no doubt that the addition of Pharrel to LV’s artistic board will only further enhance the cultural and global values of the Maison. Now, it is only a matter of time before we see the new Men’s Creative Director in action on the Parisian runways.