14 February 2023 , 20:28
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Pharrell Williams has been officially confirmed as the late Virgil Abloh's replacement at the iconic fashion label Louis Vuitton.
Speculation began earlier today following an article published in The Wall Street Journal, but the Paris-based brand has since made its big announcement on social media tonight.
Taking to Instagram, the company unveiled the Happy singer, 49, as its latest hire, filling the role left behind by the legendary artistic director Virgil.
It was back in 2021 that the 41-year-old tragically passed away after battling a rare form of cancer - cardiac angiosarcoma - for two years, behind closed doors.
Virgil was diagnosed in 2019 but chose not to make the news public. He was also the CEO of the Milan-based label Off-White.
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Pharrell has been confirmed as creative director (Getty Images for Urban One Honor)
Virgil died aged just 41 after a battle with cancer (Getty Images)In the brand's latest announcement, they said: "Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome Pharrell Williams as its new Men’s Creative Director."
They revealed that his first collection will be revealed next June during Men's Fashion Week in Paris.
The statement read: "Pharrell Williams is a visionary whose creative universes expand from music to art, and to fashion – establishing himself as a cultural global icon over the past twenty years.
"The way in which he breaks boundaries across the various worlds he explores, aligns with Louis Vuitton’s status as a Cultural Maison, reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneer spirit, and entrepreneurship."
Pharrell was unveiled in a statement by Louis Vuitton (Corbis via Getty Images)Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO, said: "I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Creative Director.
"His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter."
The late Virgil shot to fame as Kanye West's creative director but later made history as the first African-American to lead Louis Vuitton.
His heartbreaking passing was announced in a statement at the time, it read: "We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh.
Virgil shot to fame as Kanye West's creative director (AFP via Getty Images)"A fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.
"He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.
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"For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma.
"He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture."