Pharrell Williams is named Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour

Pharrell Williams, multidisciplinary creator and current creative director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s line, has been distinguished with the title of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur, the highest decoration awarded by the French State to foreign citizens and personalities who have made a significant contribution to the country or its values.

The recognition – disseminated through a preliminary official list published by the French government – underlines not only the international relevance of Williams’ figure, but also his direct impact on contemporary French culture, especially on the evolution of luxury, art and design in dialogue with new generations.

Throughout his five decades of life, Pharrell has transcended the traditional boundaries of creative disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on both the music industry and the world of fashion and design. His work has built bridges between streetwear and haute couture, consolidating a new aesthetic sensibility that connects with the social, cultural and racial concerns of the 21st century.

Since his appointment as Creative Director of Louis Vuitton in 2023, he has played a key role in reshaping the maison’s legacy, taking Virgil Abloh’s vision to new horizons and consolidating Paris as the epicentre of a global conversation about creativity, identity and luxury.

With this distinction, Pharrell joins a prestigious list of foreign personalities who have received the Legion of Honour, including names such as Bob Dylan, Steven Spielberg and Nelson Mandela. A recognition that reaffirms not only his position in the industry, but also his influence as a cultural symbol of global reach.

Louis Vuitton is sponsoring the exhibition, which will open at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and is based on the figure of the Black Dude.