Cover Pharrell Williams. (Photo: The World Economic Forum)
Pharrell Williams. (Photo: The World Economic Forum)
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Know more about Pharrell Williams before his Louis Vuitton collection debut
Louis Vuitton welcomes Pharrell Williams as its new Men’s Creative Director in an official announcement. The singer and record producer has been directly involved in fashion through his associations with Tiffany & Co and Chanel in the past. Now, with Louis Vuitton, he is set to make history and reveal his first collection for the brand next June during Men's Fashion Week in Paris.
Read more: First Look: Tatler and Dr Vicki Belo Explore Louis Vuitton's Biggest Store in the Philippines
Get to know more about Williams before June arrives.
Below are some facts you probably didn't know about him:
He's born in Virginia Beach to a handyman and educator
Above Pharrell Williams with his parents. (Photo: Buzz Nigeria)
Pharrell Williams with his parents. (Photo: Buzz Nigeria)
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Pharrell Lanscilo Williams was born on April 5, 1973, in Virginia Beach, USA to Pharoah and Dr Carolyn Williams, a handyman and educator respectively.
Pharrell once shared in an interview that his mother is a disciplinarian at home. She got this from working as an elementary teacher, librarian, and media specialist. She now holds a doctorate and heads her son’s educational foundation.
He has two other brothers: Cato and Psolomon Williams.
He took an interest in music in his seventh grade
Above Pharrell Williams in a marching band. (Photo: FloMarching)
Pharrell Williams in a marching band. (Photo: FloMarching)
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The singer took a personal interest in music in his seventh grade at school. His grandmother suggested that he join the school band. Pharrell took her advice and became a percussionist.
His involvement with school bands in his young years provided two key tools for his current success: the ability to read music and to discipline himself. He especially got to improve his discipline during his time as a member of a marching band drum line.
It is through these experiences that he met saxophonist Chad Hugo. The two became friends through music, forming a group called The Neptunes.
He currently has 13 Grammys
Above Pharrell Williams' Grammy performance.
Pharrell currently has 13 awards and 39 nominations from the Recording Academy under his belt, including awards like Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance, among others.
His hat craze helped throw conventions out the window
Above Pharrell Williams in the 56th Grammy Awards. (Photo: WireImage / Kevin Mazur)
Pharrell Williams in the 56th Grammy Awards. (Photo: WireImage / Kevin Mazur)
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In 2014, Pharrell showed up at the Grammys in Timberland boots, jeans, a red leather Adidas track jacket, and a huge brown topper which stole the show.
This hat of his made waves in social media, with opinions ranging from how fans love his "uniqueness" and "quirkiness" to others criticising his ensemble. It was one of the most talked about fashion moments of that year.
His willingness to deviate from the dress code helped throw red-carpet conventions out of the window. It paved the way for more male celebrities to have fun with their red carpet-outfits.
He's also active in the TV and film scene
Above Pharrell Williams and guest in the 86th Academy Awards. (Photo: Oscars)
Pharrell Williams and guest in the 86th Academy Awards. (Photo: Oscars)
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Pharrell also has TV and film experience in his repertoire.
Aside from his participation in the Despicable Me franchise, he helped with the soundtrack of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Black Godfather, and The Lion King remake. He co-produced the movie Hidden Figures as well, earning him an Oscar nomination last 2017.
He has written songs for Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and more
Above Kendrick Lamar's "Alright", co-produced and co-written by Pharrell Williams.
Through his producing duo with Chad Hugo, Pharrell helped in writing lyrics and mapping out beats for Janet Jackson, Babyface, Mary J Blige, and Justin Timberlake, as well as rock acts such as No Doubt, Garbage, and Marilyn Manson.
Pharrell also participated in hits like Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl, Nelly's Hot in Here, Frank Ocean's Sweet Life, Britney Spears' I’m A Slave 4 U, and Kendrick Lamar's Alright, among others.
He is a director and ambassador for Bionic Yarn
Pharrell is a creative director and brand ambassador for Bionic Yarn, a material engineering company supplying markets with fully traceable, high-grade textiles and polymers, made with coastal and marine plastic.
Representing Bionic Yarn, he and Al Gore once gave a presentation at the 45th World Economic Forum, demanding action on climate change.
He has his own clothing lines
Along with Japanese music producer Nigo Williams, Pharrell started the clothing line Billionaire Boys Club. It is a clothing, accessories and lifestyle brand that blends streetwear and luxury.
The brand has built a universe from the foundation of Billionaire Boys Club, forming ICECREAM, Bee Line, and Billionaire Girls Club.
Check bbcicecream.com for more details.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
