Fashion Week: Pharrell Williams' show for Louis Vuitton criticized by environmentalists

In a whirlwind of style and controversy, Paris welcomed Pharrell Williams' first fashion show as artistic director of Louis Vuitton Homme on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. On the Pont-Neuf, the city's historic landmark, a sensational show aroused the enthusiasm of spectators, while fuelling debate within the political scene. From the dazzling to the controversial, this eventful evening made an undeniable impression!

Pharrell Williams, the man everyone's talking about right now. For Paris Fashion Week Men's Spring-Summer 2024, the artist is on all fronts, from a sneaker pop-up store to acontemporary art exhibition, not forgetting his long-awaited first show as Artistic Director of the Men's collections at Louis Vuitton.

The show took place on Tuesday evening on the Pont-Neuf, bringing together 1,750 guests including Rihanna, Beyonce, Jay Z, Zendaya, Omar Sy, Jared Leto and many others. Only today, the Pharrell Williams fashion show has sparked controversy among allied environmentalists, who denounce a"privatization of public space", but is this really the case?

For David Belliard, Anne Hidalgo's deputy for mobility and roads, "public space, a common good, is too precious to be monopolized by a few multinationals and a handful of happy few".

Yesterday, Pont neuf was privatized by LVMH for a fashion show, blocking the entire neighborhood. An operation from another era! Public space, a common good, is far too precious to be monopolized by a few multinationals and a handful of happy few. https://t.co/KuSvL3IZeg
- David Belliard (@David_Belliard) June 21, 2023

Other environmentalists such as Émile Meunier and even the environmental protection association Sites et Monuments have also expressed their dissatisfaction.

As the #PontNeuf is literally covered with the checkerboard identifying the @LVMH group, this is probably advertising on a historic monument https://t.co/DV8IGBPmQj, advertising strictly prohibited since our 1910 law now codified here: https: //t.co/FAQgy1Eei3 pic.twitter.com/UVNNAGZ8Vr
- Sites & Monuments (@SPPEF) June 21, 2023

According to Fashion United, Paris City Hall has responded to criticism by pointing out that this temporary occupation of the public domain is subject to a fee and generates revenue for the city. Carefully supervised by the Prefecture de Police and the 2024 Olympic Games Committee, this exceptional event served as a security "test" ahead of next year's opening ceremony.

This latest controversy echoes another debate that took place in early June, with Louis Vuitton still in the firing line. Environmentalists demanded the removal of the LV logo from the monumental statue of Yayoi Kusama.

City of Paris orders removal of Louis Vuitton logo from giant Yayoi Kusama statue
Yayoi Kusama's monumental statue in front of the Samaritaine, created to mark the Japanese artist's collaboration with LVMH, has stirred up controversy. Elected environmentalists have criticized the work, calling it an "advertisement" for Louis Vuitton because of the logo displayed on the bag the sculpture is holding. Paris City Hall recently intervened in the matter ... [Read more]

Although opinions are divided on the subject, Paris, as a fashion capital, must continue to host prestigious events that showcase creativity and innovation. While respecting environmental concerns, it is also essential to support the city's economy and international influence.

Pharrell Williams' first fashion show for Louis Vuitton left a lasting impression in Paris. Despite the controversy, the event demonstrated the City of Light's ability to shine in the spotlight, while remaining at the forefront of fashion and the organization of major events.

Fashion Week: Pharrell Williams' show for Louis Vuitton criticized by environmentalists

Calendar

_