Paris Men’s Fashion Week is officially underway, kicking off with a highly anticipated show by Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton, taking over the iconic Louvre. Known for choosing remarkable locations, Pharrell has a knack for blending fashion with architectural landmarks since stepping into his role as Vuitton’s creative director in 2023.
In his debut show, the Pont Neuf bridge became a dazzling runway, complete with gold-painted paving stones. Pharrell’s past venues include the Jardin d’Acclimatation theme park and a rooftop runway at UNESCO’s headquarters, showcasing his flair for reimagining spaces.
This season, Pharrell teased a bold Autumn-Winter 2025-2026 collection on Instagram, co-designed with Nigo. The collection features vibrant bomber jackets and sneakers in striking primary colors, maintaining his signature playful yet stylish aesthetic.
Louis Vuitton has a history of using the Louvre for its collections, a tradition Pharrell continues, adding his unique touch. As usual, his show is expected to draw a stellar lineup of celebrities from the music, film, and sports worlds. Ambassadors like LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, and Olympic champion Leon Marchand are likely to attend. Meanwhile, K-pop star J-Hope of BTS showcased his exclusive metallic invitation on social media, sparking even more excitement.
Beyond Pharrell, the week is already showcasing standout designs. Japanese label Auralee, led by Ryota Iwai, brought its minimalist, functional style to the runway. The buzzword for this season? “Casual tailoring.” Designers are pivoting from dominant streetwear to more refined yet relaxed silhouettes, emphasizing trench coats, loafers, and structured elegance. Warm brown tones remain a favorite, offering a classic yet modern vibe.
Lanvin is also making a comeback with Peter Copping’s first collection as artistic director after a two-year hiatus. Meanwhile, Valentino’s Alessandro Michele will showcase his creations during the upcoming haute couture week, following his September debut.
The week will conclude with a highly anticipated return from Simon Porte Jacquemus, whose brand, Jacquemus, rejoins the official calendar after a five-year break.
However, some notable absences loom, including Givenchy, Loewe, and Celine. Leadership changes in the fashion world have shaken things up, with Hedi Slimane exiting Celine, John Galliano departing Maison Margiela, and Matthieu Blazy stepping in as Chanel’s creative director.
As Paris Men’s Fashion Week unfolds, it promises a blend of fresh ideas, bold statements, and a celebration of creativity that pushes the boundaries of fashion.