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Pharrell Williams expands his fashion coast as the new official adviser of brand Human Made

BY Ben Ebuka Oji January 23, 2024 10:44 AM EDT
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams. Credit: Prince Williams/Wireimage

Musician and fashion icon Pharrell Williams keeps amplifying his influence in the fashion industry. Nigo, a prominent Japanese fashion designer, has recently appointed Pharrell as the official adviser for Nigo’s brand Human Made.

This latest collaboration strengthens the bond between these two fashion comrades and builds upon their partnership that began in 2010 when Nigo launched Human Made.

Nigo took to his Instagram page to announce this ongoing partnership, expressing his excitement with a heart emoji. “Welcoming Pharrell as an advisor to the HUMAN MADE team,” Nigo said.

In a brief chat with WWD, Nigo said, “He didn’t have an official role and I thought it was time to make it official that he’s actually advising on the direction of the brand.”

“I’ve really just started talking about it with Pharrell now in this position, and Brian Donnelly [known professionally as Kaws]. So now the three of us are officially going to have this responsibility and we’re going to start working out plans.”

Pharrell’s recent appointment will contribute to the growth of the brand’s operations, which are divided between global markets and Japan. In Japan, the brand operates six standalone stores, one of which offers a variety of other product lines.

Pharrell’s Burgeoning Trajectory in the Fashion Realm

The innovative visionary, whose imaginative realms extend from music to art and fashion, has solidified his position as a worldwide cultural icon throughout the last two decades. His ability to push boundaries across different domains makes him the perfect candidate for brands seeking impactful collaborations. Recently, he joined Louis Vuitton as the Men’s Creative Director, following two successful partnerships in 2004 and 2008.

“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.” – Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman and CEO.

Pharrell, who broke into the fashion space a few years ago, has etched himself as a notable personality in the field, attaining triumph through his various ventures. Pharrell is the Founder of many successful fashion streetwear brands, establishing himself as a serial entrepreneur and trailblazer in the fashion/clothing realm.

Pharrell collaborated with Nigo to introduce the streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club in 2003. Billionaire Boys Club offers a fusion of high-end streetwear and opulent attire that has a significant impact on various aspects of fashion, music, design, and culture. The brand’s core values, deeply ingrained in its DNA, are driven by Pharrell’s motivational quote, “Wealth is of the heart and mind, not the pocket.”

Pharrell and Nigo collaborated again in 2004 to launch ICECREAM, a subsidiary of the Billionaire Boys Club. ICECREAM is prominent for its bold graphics, vibrant colors, and all-over prints. Featuring ice cream graphics and other playful designs, the brand’s collection emphasizes men’s streetwear vibes and has played a significant role in hip-hop and pop culture since its inception.

Pharrell later launched Billionaire Girls Club, the sister brand of Billionaire Boys Club. Billionaire Girls Club specializes in crafting a fusion of high-end streetwear and opulent ensembles exclusively designed for women.

Via a partnership with Timberland, Bee Line, the bridge label of Billionaire Boys Club, introduced a classic all-blue Timberland workboot called “The Blue Boot,” featuring blue laces and a wheat-colored coil. After the success of the debut Blue Boot, Pharrell Williams introduced black Timberland boots in 2011 and a red variation in 2014.

The duo partnered with Adidas in 2019 to launch a limited-edition collection of sneakers. The collection includes the Tennis Hu, Solar Hu, and Hu NMD silhouettes.

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