Pharrell Williams' Louis Vuitton Spring Collection Looks To India
A model on the Spring Summer 2026 Louis Vuitton Men's collection runway.
With ominous luxury reports touting a 25 percent decrease in sales for some of the top names in fashion, there is a bright spot in the sector: India. The luxury consumer market is fast accelerating in the country, with a current $18B in 2025, which is expected to grow by just over 3 percent annually, according to Statista, with a big focus on luxury watches and jewelry. Whether by coincidence but more likely by boardroom meeting design, the latest Louis Vuitton Studio Homme collection by creative director Pharrell Williams for Spring Summer 2026 aimed its message arrow at India with a modern look at sartorial dressing, the art of classic, timeless, highly crafted tailored clothing through the eyes of a Dandy (Also the theme of this year's Met Gala and exhibit.) It also signaled a safe route as a seasonal trend during an uncertain global economic crisis.
A model on the Spring Summer 2026 Louis Vuitton Men's collection runway.
While those matters may weigh heavily, Williams didn't let them bring him down. Starting with an invite that contained dice, the show set at the Centre Pompidou created by Studio Mumbai was a life-size version of the Indian board game "Snakes and Ladders," which show notes described as a metaphorical possibility that, in turn, speaks to Williams' philosophy of opportunity, responsibility, and enhancement.
Music is also central to a Louis Vuitton show by the multi-hyphenate. With a bold original soundtrack composed and produced by Williams, the live music was performed by Voices of Fire and l'Orchestre du Pont Neuf and featured a track "Get Right," a collaboration featuring Doechii and Tyler, the Creator. With Pharrell Williams at the helm, the shows have become an equal platform for musical expression as much as clothing, to the point where the show's looks seemed extended to allow for the entire performance to take place.
Jay Z and Beyonce at the Louis Vuitton Men's show in Paris.
The collection also plays into travel via the global nomad, expressing the same appreciation for style and craftsmanship. Conjuring India meant a sun-faded palette (burgundy and orange transformed to dusty pastels with hints of Dandyism in a navy and violet blended indigo in lieu of black) and worn-in textiles on layered and louche silhouettes. Incomparable Indian savoir-faire, such as embroidery, beading, and bejeweling, was seen on clothing, accessories, and the elaborate trunks Williams has incorporated into his shows.
A model on the Spring Summer 2026 Louis Vuitton Men's collection runway.
Further playing into the theme was a revived pattern featuring cheetahs, elephants, gazelles, giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, and palm trees, conceived on eleven pieces of luggage for Wes Anderson's 2007 film 'The Darjeeling Limited', was seen on new trunks, accessories, and clothing to send the theme home.
While silhouettes such as flared pants, puffers, and short suit jackets seemed familiar, the creative director and his design team leaned into short shorts paired in sporty, aka 'glamping', looks and more tailored styles. Williams himself sported gym shorts when he took his bow and greeted other high-profile guests, such as his friends Jay Z and Beyoncé. This may emerge as the one must-have item for men come next spring. Considering the bevy of smooth gams that donned them for the show, picking up a bottle of Nair at the pharmacy may also be recommended for the full effect.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Kaviani Sisters Built Naked Wardrobe Into Global Celeb Fashion Empire
Kaviani Sisters Built Naked Wardrobe Into A Global Celebrity Empire In a world where the fashion industry remains heavily male-dominated, three Iranian-American sisters have carved out their own fashion empire from their parents' living room and called it Naked Wardrobe. Shirin, Shida, and Shideh Kaviani didn't just build a brand, but a movement that celebrates female empowerment, body confidence, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Today, Naked Wardrobe graces the bodies of A-list celebrities like the Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, and Carmen Electra, but the path to this glittering success was paved with failure, resilience, and an unwavering belief in their vision. The First Fall And Rise Of Naked Wardrobe Fifteen years ago, long before e-commerce became the norm, the Kaviani sisters had an idea before Naked Wardrobe took off. "Our first stab at fashion was 15 years ago, but we failed. We couldn't get our website off the ground and we had an excess of inventory as a result," recalls Shideh, the youngest sister who studied at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) and now serves as President. But failure didn't defeat them. Instead of giving up, they transformed their setback into an intimate shopping experience. They hung their inventory on racks in their parents' living room, baked fresh cookies, and invited their entire community in California to shop. It was guerrilla retail at its finest, born from necessity and sisterly determination. "We all took a step back because we were so disappointed and thought about venturing into our own lanes and respective careers," Shideh explains. But sometimes the universe has other plans. When one sister was laid off, it became the catalyst they needed to reunite their dreams. The $7,500 Gamble That Changed Naked Wardrobe Armed with just $7,500 and the hard-earned wisdom from their previous failure, the sisters decided to try again. This time, they were different: more organized, more focused, and crystal clear about their vision. "We learned from our first failures and we knew what we wanted," Shideh notes. The brand name itself tells a story of identity and intention. Initially considering "Kaviani LA" to honor their heritage, they ultimately chose something more profound. "We landed with Naked Wardrobe, because we want people to be comfortable in their own skin and we want our clothes to reflect that and to be the best version of yourself. The word naked seems so raw uncensored and minimalist," Shideh explains. As female entrepreneurs in fashion, the sisters were acutely aware of the gender imbalance in their industry. "The fashion industry was highly dominated by men. Over the years, we continued to utilize our platform and use our voices to shed light on this and encourage more women to chase their boldest dreams," Shirin reflects. How Naked Wardrobe Prioritizes Real Women What sets Naked Wardrobe apart isn't just their business acumen, but also their deep understanding of women's bodies and needs. Despite being sisters, Shirin, Shida, and Shideh each have different body shapes and types, which became their greatest asset in design. "It all became so natural and celebrating our bodies and the simplicity of the garment and making you feel this level of confidence that you didn't even know you had," says Shida. They revolutionized categories like bodysuits and jumpsuits, taking pieces from athletic wear and transforming them into ready-to-wear essentials. Their parents' emphasis on quality over quantity became their guiding principle, leading them to develop their own textiles and build a dedicated team. The signature bodysuit is a must-have in every woman's wardrobe. "For us it was as simple as us going the extra mile. As women what we wear dictates our move. For us it's how do we help our clients go down that journey. We want to be a lifestyle brand and be there for every moment," Shida adds. Naked Wardrobe Is Equipped To Change With Trends Since launching in 2012, the sisters have been trendsetters rather than followers. "We are in a monochromatic phase right now," notes Shirin, the eldest sister. "Colors like red rose tops and rose skirts are great for layering and bring the customer back to core pieces which they can build into a capsule wardrobe." Their intuition for trends has paid off—they're tracking 50% growth for the year, a testament to their ability to evolve with their customers' needs. While they initially operated in the fast fashion space, the sisters recognized the environmental and social costs of overproduction. "As a direct to consumer brand, we really value the quality and fit of our products. For us, getting an order is not enough but more important how to retain that client," Shideh emphasizes. The brand has expanded its offerings to outwear like this faux mink pelted jacket. Naked Wardrobe Proves Sisterhood Is An Asset Working with family could be a recipe for disaster, but the Kaviani sisters have turned it into their superpower. Each sister brings unique expertise: one handles product development and marketing, another manages human resources and brand sales, while the third oversees operations, tech, and design. Even their mother joined the team, officially becoming CFO four years ago. "We are a family business where each of us wears different hats and different expertises," they explain. Their parents instilled a foundation of equality that eliminated sibling rivalry and created a healthy professional dynamic. " Disagreements are normal, but because we have different skillsets, we lean on each other and the beauty of being family is having overlapping, yet different knowledge to elevate our brand," concludes Shida. On Global Expansion And Naked Wardrobe's Future Success hasn't made them complacent. Naked Wardrobe is strategically expanding its global footprint throughout Europe and the Middle East, with plans to launch in Flannels department stores across the United Kingdom in Q2 and expand throughout Canada. 'We have been deliberate in how we would like to scale Naked Wardrobe internationally. Expanding into international markets will allow our overseas clients to experience, feel, and try on our garments firsthand. This move will not only diversify our revenue model but also introduce Naked Wardrobe to a broader global audience, strengthening our brand presence worldwide,' they add. With customer service being their ultimate objective, the sisters strive to employ a hands-on approach to their business which celebrates femininity, confidence, and empowering women to feel confident in their own skin. Made for the modern woman who loves contemporary fashion that makes her feel confident, Naked ... More Wardrobe also includes a wide range of sizes.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Henry Golding Reveals ‘Crazy Rich Asians' Series Could Drop Next Year: ‘Aiming for Like First Quarter'
'Crazy Rich Asians' fans have been waiting patiently for a sequel to the hit film since its 2018 release. With follow-ups to the original novel by Kevin Kwan already ripe for adaptation — 2015's 'China Rich Girlfriend,' 2017's 'Rich People Problems' and 2024's 'Lies and Weddings' — and the massive return on its investment Warner Bros. enjoyed, it even feels inevitable. In 2022, it was reported that the sequel was officially on the way after replacing original co-writers Adele Lim and Peter Chiarelli. But it's seven years later… and nothing. Earlier this year, however, it was reported that a television series was in development for HBO Max with Lim back on board as the showrunner and director John M. Chu as executive producer. Lim has become a Hollywood powerhouse since her 'Crazy Rich' success, writing the Oscar-nominated 'Raya and the Last Dragon' and moving into the directing sphere with the acclaimed 'Joy Ride' and the upcoming 'Princess Diaries' sequel. Chu, of course, directed something called 'Wicked' last year — and that apparently has a sequel coming out this November. More from IndieWire Mariska Hargitay Says Her Career Is an 'Unconscious Rebellion' Against Mother Jayne Mansfield's Typecasting Steven Spielberg Watched 'Jaws' Alone to Mark Film's 50th Anniversary: 'I Liked It' Now, Henry Golding has addressed the 'Crazy Rich Asians' series development, the first indication of the original casts' participation. 'Something's being made,' Golding told Andy Cohn on 'Watch What Happens Live.' 'I think we're actually going to do a series. That's what they're trying to give us. Aiming for like first quarter, even, next year.' This also is the first establishment of a potential timeline for the series. Golding revealed that there's already stories written for the show, though he himself has not yet seen them. 'There are scripts hanging around but they haven't been passed on yet. I haven't read anything, but I hear it's promising,' he said. Whether or not the rest of the cast would return for the series is unclear. Since its release, Michelle Yeoh appeared in 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' and won an Oscar, in addition to also playing a pivotal role in 'Wicked.' Constance Wu voiced Daphne in 'Velma,' appeared with Bill Murray in 'The Friend,' has had several prominent stage roles, and released a best-selling autobiography. Awkwafina has been very, very busy, appearing in three films in 2024 alone. Golding will appear with Charlize Theron and Uma Thurman in Netflix's 'The Old Guard 2,' which drops on the platform July 2, the same day the finale of his Hulu series 'Nine Perfect Strangers' drops. Best of IndieWire Guillermo del Toro's Favorite Movies: 56 Films the Director Wants You to See 'Song of the South': 14 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie Nicolas Winding Refn's Favorite Films: 37 Movies the Director Wants You to See
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Partners And Politics Fuel Willy Chavarria's Growing Brand At PFW
The finale of the Willy Chavarria Spring Summer 2026 fashion show. Since debuting his namesake line in 2015, Willy Chavarria has stayed the course of its founding principles to find beauty that is often unseen and to promote political messages, deemed positive assuming your views are liberal, as most of fashion is. His core beliefs have led to an affiliation with the ACLU, for which he has designed merchandise for fundraising purposes. For his second show in Paris, entitled "Huron" for the California agriculture town Chavarria was raised in, the designer took the political concept even further and rolled out more in the way of partners that fuel the brand's fast ascent.A model at the Willy Chavarria fashion show. The show opened with a particularly poignant, if not painful scene to watch, A group of 35 Chavarria staple models, whose everyday look is typically a shaved head and plenty of tattoos, dressed in white shorts and T-shirts made in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) walked on to the runway, got down on their knees and bowed their heads with hands behind backs, assuming the position that detainees who were exported to El Salvadoran prisons under the new Trump administration in US were seen in in media coverage. The T-shirt had print that read: "The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union - beyond one person, party, or side." Backstage, Chavarria was clear the expression of his feelings on the matter were not to be stifled, repercussion threats be damned. "With regard to activism and politics, regardless of what we do, we're being political. When we're not saying something, it's much louder than saying something. I have no choice; we have no choice in this moment, but to try to defend ourselves," Willy Chavarria walks the runway of his Spring Summer 2026 show. He also felt it was a necessary statement, but also ironic. "I named the show after my hometown, Huron, and my family is here in Paris, and for the first time, seeing one of my shows. It's an amazing, beautiful experience. Simultaneously, as of yesterday, ICE is attacking the town of Huron, with armed militia surrounding homes. It's a state of horror." Chavarria said, adding that he wanted to contrast the chaos of the kidnappings against the beauty of the people being chipped away and the families they leave behind. It was a heavy place to start a fashion show, but all of Chavarria's shows have addressed social issues. As the real clothes descended while Mexican activist singer Vivir Quintana serenaded the crowd to trimmed-down versions of Chavarria's outsize tailored silhouettes and came in bright colors that he said we derived from factory uniforms across the globe, and often in oppressive nation states. Oddly, when combined, Chavarria thought of the preppy look, recently reinforced through his TV watching habits of "Sirens" and "Palm Royale" "It made me think about this preppy narrative, this luxury about who is supposed to claim luxury because of its social status. I thought it would be fun to play with because that's an old idea of luxury, hence the dying luxury market today. I wanted to show luxury in a new way, worn by people who feel no one needs to tell us who can wear luxury," he said. A look from the Willy Chavarria Spring Sumer 2026 collection. However, preppy and uniform-like, this section of the show recalled 1970s Parisian glamour, complete with a revival of the Charles Jourdan shoe brand co-branded with Willy Chavarria. In other accessories news, Spanish Andalusian-inspired hats decked out in signature brand roses and keys as charms prevailed. It was evident from the start that rather than peppering in some women's looks, at least half of the collection was typical women's cuts and shapes. "From a creative and business sense, it's been an intentional growth into women's. I hired Rebeca Mendoza, an exquisite women's wear designer, starting with my last collection. I wanted to wait until I had the right women's wear designer with a female perspective to design it," he continued, noting his production is in Italy now. Along with tailored feminine styles and 'snatched' belted tight leather trend looks, the designer offered a series of brightly colored off-shoulder gowns with a modern Renaissance mood. Tequila brand Don Julio has been a long-time brand partner, and other partners include World Net, APICCAPS, the Portuguese Footwear Association, Mariano Shoes, and Return to Vendor (RTV) on eyewear and swim trunks. Adding in the biggest partner, Adidas, which showed its third Willy Chavarria season, it was a lot to take in, and was often disorienting to grasp the collection's direction. But including the various elements tracks, Chavarria's mantra is inclusivity. An Adidas X Willy Chavarria look from Spring Sumer 2026 Adidas's styles took cues from Los Angeles Street culture, including branding with an LA logo. "That look has had such an impact on fashion. I did the LA logos with a friend, Sal Prego, who owns a tattoo parlor there, who did the graphics by hand. As this project was finishing the final product, Los Angeles became another city under attack, so this parallel makes me feel like someone is driving this trip much bigger than me." When asked about the rumors that Fendi is looking at Chavarria to join the Italian heritage house. "That is hearsay. I'm not the right person to ask because I know nothing about it. I can't even speculate what people are thinking."
