The multi-hyphenate artist took the reins at the luxury fashion house, succeeding the late Virgil Abloh. Abloh, a friend of Williams, demonstrated a new interpretation of luxury by drawing on references to hip-hop, pop culture and anti-racist activism. Williams has stated he will continue his predecessor’s work, bringing Black experience to the house of Vuitton, where its roots have traditionally been very white and elitist.
Williams made his spectacular debut for Louis Vuitton with the Spring/Summer 2024 collection shown on Paris’ Pont Neuf Bridge in June 2023. The show, which featured a performance from Jay-Z, transformed the historic bridge into a golden runway and showcased William’s fresh, unique take on luxury streetwear.
His vision for Louis Vuitton has successfully merged American streetwear aesthetics with French high fashion...
The first ad campaign starred a pregnant Rihanna, which made a statement about the progression of the biggest fashion house in the world promoting a Black woman and child. Multiple A-List stars attended his debut show including ASAP Rocky, Beyoncé, Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton, Tyler the Creator and Kim Kardashian, highlighting Williams’s clout and the influence that Black culture has on the world. Jon Caramanica wrote in the New York Times that Williams at Louis Vuitton could be “a full-throated acknowledgement of the power of Black cultural capital on a global stage”.
His vision for Louis Vuitton has successfully merged American streetwear aesthetics with French high fashion, introducing elements of the Western, including varsity styling while maintaining the house’s luxury heritage. The collection’s commercial success and cultural impact have validated the decision to appoint Williams to this prestigious role.
Beyond his Louis Vuitton achievements, Williams has continued to influence fashion through his other ventures, including his longstanding partnerships with Adidas, and his own brands Humanrace and Billionaire Boys Club.
With his first year at the helm drawing to a close, Williams’ impact on the fashion industry has already left a mark, suggesting that his influence is just beginning to unfold.