Â鶹´«Ã½

Entertainment

    • Pharrell fuses entertainment and fashion for confident Louis Vuitton menswear debut

    Designer Pharrell Williams accepts applause at the conclusion of the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 fashion collection presented in Paris, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) Designer Pharrell Williams accepts applause at the conclusion of the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 fashion collection presented in Paris, Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
    Share
    PARIS -

    Unveiling a new chapter in its illustrious history, Louis Vuitton made an indelible mark on Paris Fashion Week's men's shows as they premiered the debut collection by musician-turned-designer Pharrell Williams.

    Appointed in February to fill the immense shoes left by the death of Virgil Abloh, Williams unveiled his design prowess to the fashion world with a show that exuded confidence.

    The breathtaking venue for this sartorial spectacle was Paris' iconic Pont Neuf. The historic bridge, typically resplendent with time-worn stone, was transformed into a golden runway -- a dramatic stage set against the backdrop of the shimmering Seine and under the starlit Parisian sky.

    The Tuesday night event drew a constellation of stars in their own right. The stellar audience encompassed icons of music, sports and entertainment. Among the guests lining the gilded cobbles were music royalty Beyonce and Jay-Z, NBA superstar LeBron James, new brand ambassador Zendaya and global pop phenomenon Rihanna.

    Williams' first show proved to be an ambitious endeavor, interweaving the luxury and sophistication of high fashion with the pulsating energy and broad appeal of pop culture and entertainment. The show was more than a runway presentation; it was an immersive experience that captured the imagination of those fortunate enough to witness it firsthand.

    Here are some highlights of the spring-summer 2024 shows:

    PHARRELL SPEAKS

    As sunlight filled the storied halls of Louis Vuitton's headquarters, Williams stepped into his new role as the fashion house's menswear designer.

    His appointment symbolizes more than a career shift. It represents a daring move by the luxury brand to entrust the position to a musical artist and cultural influencer, not a classically trained designer. But Pharrell says he doesn't feel pressure to prove himself -- he was chosen.

    "I didn't feel any of that because if I was competing for it and people kept telling me, `No don't do it,' I may have felt that way. But the difference is, I was chosen," Pharrell told AP in a joint interview. "So, like when you're chosen, you just kind of ride the wave."

    A sense of being selected by the universe, or by Louis Vuitton, carries a sense of destiny for him. But stepping into the designer role isn't just about fulfilling his personal destiny. Williams also feels like he's carrying on the legacy of the late Abloh, who was the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton and a personal friend. "My appointment is a tribute," Williams said.

    Black culture and the struggles Black Americans have faced is a strong driving force for Pharrell. He reflected on the culture's unique flavor, influence and widespread appeal. "I think it's something in the sauce," he said. "And people like it when they try it."

    Williams emphasized the hard-earned global recognition of this cultural "sauce," exemplified in the influence of figures like LeBron James, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Prince and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

    "A lot of people lost their lives and suffered through the experiences to get us to these positions," he noted, underscoring the painful history that fuels his desire to honor his community through his work at Louis Vuitton.

    Pharrell's love for life, the moment, and opportunities, imbue his approach to design. "LV is for Louis Vuitton, but it's also `lover'," he mused. His interpretation of the Louis Vuitton initials signifies his intention to pour love and appreciation into his work, carrying the legacy of Black culture forward in a space where it has been historically underrepresented.

    "It's not lost on me that I'm afforded this opportunity to tell these stories," he said.

    LOUIS VUITTON SHOW

    The pulse of Paris was set alight as Williams unveiled a debut fusing streetwear aesthetics into the French maison's traditional lineage. The fashion show epitomized high-voltage energy, reverberating through the audience and culminating in a standing ovation for Williams.

    The world-renowned musician, known for his genre-blurring creativity, masterfully orchestrated the event. The runway show mirrored a music video's high energy, perhaps a testament to the meteoric reach of the brand's parent company, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

    Channeling gender-fluid appeal, Williams showcased an exhaustive collection spanning checkerboard-patterned denim to a sophisticated cream evening jacket. The line, marked by photo prints of the Pont Neuf and a uniquely designed coat with a shaved monogram motif, also underscored his flair for distinct aesthetics.

    Playing on the LV codes, Williams' collaboration with American pixel artist E.T. for a digital motif and the use of Black American artist Henry Taylor's micro-embroideries added a further dimension to his debut lineup. The collection was replete with pixelated designs on a broad spectrum of pieces, alongside the Damier pattern -- which graces the house's bags -- amplified in shades of yellow and black.

    The grand finale was a spectacular concert by Jay-Z. The electrifying performance brought the crowd to its feet, their excitement reaching a crescendo as Pharrell took to the stage to join his longtime collaborator. While Rihanna's arrival, in sync with the show's climax and exposing a enormous bare baby bump, was nothing short of theatrical.

    As the show drew to a close, an emotional Williams emerged to take a bow, wiping away tears and pointing skyward in a heartfelt thank you. The applause that followed was a thunderous affirmation of the musician's successful transition into the realm of luxury fashion.

    CHANEL RESORT

    After the pulsating late-night Vuitton showcase, a more subdued morning scene unfolded at Chanel's headquarters. Members of the fashion press gathered, copious servings of coffee and croissants in hand, to view a breakfast presentation of Chanel's resort collection. Thus began the glamorous marathon that is Paris Fashion Week.

    Themes from Hollywood's Golden Age characterized designer Virginie Viard's collection, incorporating hints at the 1920s and 1930s. They were transfused with a distinct 1980s influence in sequins and vibrant color.

    Viard presented a long, loose coat, a style staple one might associate with film producers of the art deco era. Furthering the Hollywood motif, a lace A-line mini dress took its bleeding color palette from an L.A. sunset, a nod to Sunset Boulevard. Additionally, a ruched tiered skirt carried the pink and white stripe pattern commonly associated with the Beverly Hills Hotel.

    The resort collection's encore in Paris provided an opportunity for a closer inspection of Viard's Hollywood-inspired designs and the detailing involved without the breathlessness of a glitzy show. Amidst the rapid progression of fashion, Chanel's collection served as a reminder of the brand's engagement with historic and pop culture references.

    BOTTER'S QUIRKS

    The design duo behind the Botter label, Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh, are known for their progressive and bold approach to fashion. The spring-summer collection they presented Wednesday showcased a series of daring and inventive interpretations of everyday elements.

    Ecological plastic wicker, typically found on chairs was cleverly reconfigured into garments. The unconventional material was particularly affecting in a bright red structured vest red that resembled chainmail, demonstrating Botter's creative -- and quirky -- reinterpretation of commonplace items.

    The designs also included distinctive lozenge motifs that gave a slightly historical impression, especially on skintight tops and tights-cum-leggings that at times reassembled the look of a medieval peasant.

    In a contrast to the quirky designs, a delicate lavender knit vest unfurled like a disintegrating flower, adding a touch of poetic elegance to a pair of baggy charcoal office pants, a testament to Botter's versatility.

    While their designs tend to be daring and offbeat, the y manage to strike a balance between the surreal and wearable, maintaining their appeal to a forward-thinking audience.

    BLUEMARBLE DAZZLES WITH COLOR

    Designer Anthony Alvarez didn't shy away from color in his menswear collection for Bluemarble. His vibrant palette was a delightful mix of citrine and dandelion. The unstructured and utilitarian designs combined streetwear sensibilities with a dash of high-fashion daring. Toggles that were part practical, part design statement, flapped in an unexpectedly fashionable sync with the collection's aesthetic rhythm.

    The choice of shades on the models, and the satiny dazzle on coats, lent a sunshine-bathed charisma to the show, aptly reflecting the "blue marble" -- planet Earth -- that inspired the brand's name. Bleached blond hair and curtains subtly echoed the late-80s, while the boxy silhouettes seemed like a contemporary nod to the iconic era.

    Building on Bluemarble's reputation for eye-popping color and cultural fusion, Alvarez balanced the mix of his own diverse heritage in his designs. (He was raised by a French mother and a Filipino-Spanish father.) The collection not only celebrated his brand's globe-trotting vision but elevated it with bold colors, strategic nostalgia, and streetwise utility.

    LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI BRINGS VIBRANT TRANSFORMATION IN MENSWEAR

    In his Wednesday evening show, Louis Gabriel Nouchi masterfully blended conventional sartorial elements with sportswear.

    The collection opened with a striking, voluminous black leather trench coat, which displayed Asiatic layering influences. The initial monochrome black and dark tones, set a somber, yet anticipative, stage.

    Ubiquitous ties, crisp white shirts, and black leather loafers then formed a staple backbone. This familiar territory was thrillingly disrupted by deconstructed vests and cycling pants, demonstrating Nouchi's knack for challenging boundaries.

    The dark musing soon transformed into a visual spectacle of eye-catching hues -- straw and light cobalt blue -- conjuring a playful disruption. The zenith arrived with a show-stopping ensemble: a loose tie-pajama look rendered in daring, dazzling sapphire.

    Building on previous seasons' play with silhouettes, particularly the emphasized shoulder line, and explorations into various materials such as leather.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.

    A Brampton woman says she is devastated after she lost more than $200,000 — her life's savings — to a romance scam.

    As Toronto readies for Taylor Swift’s arrival this week, some crowd management and planning experts say additional safety precautions should be taken when tens of thousands of fans fill the city's downtown core on show nights.

    Canada

    • Police say multiple people were arrested and firearms were seized after an unmarked police cruiser was struck by gunfire in Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood late Monday night.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats against his partner is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • A Brampton woman says she is devastated after she lost more than $200,000 — her life's savings — to a romance scam.

    • Family members and friends of a 43-year-old man who was fatally shot by police in Hamilton over the weekend says they’re devastated by his death and are seeking answers and justice for their loved one.

    • Dr. Ronald Weiss, who performed nearly 60,000 vasectomies on Ottawa men, establishing him as the "Wayne Gretzky" of the procedure, has died.

    • A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    • The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Max Pacioretty on the injured reserve with a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday.

    • Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • Flames shot out of windows and debris came showering down onto the street as crews battled a fire at a North Vancouver highrise Monday afternoon.

    • Second World War veteran Percival Smith was a teenager when he entered the British Merchant Navy, but after years at sea he emerged as a man who returned to a family he "couldn't even recognize" after the war.

    • Police nabbed an alarming number of drunk or drug-impaired drivers in Abbotsford, B.C., over the long weekend – including 11 on Friday night alone.

    • As Toronto readies for Taylor Swift’s arrival this week, some crowd management and planning experts say additional safety precautions should be taken when tens of thousands of fans fill the city's downtown core on show nights.

    • Police say multiple people were arrested and firearms were seized after an unmarked police cruiser was struck by gunfire in Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood late Monday night.

    • A Brampton woman says she is devastated after she lost more than $200,000 — her life's savings — to a romance scam.

    • A coalition of community groups is calling on Ottawa City Council to raise property taxes "to a level that sustains existing services and infrastructure," increase parking fees, and invest in transit, community services and climate action in its 2025 budget.

    • Dr. Ronald Weiss, who performed nearly 60,000 vasectomies on Ottawa men, establishing him as the "Wayne Gretzky" of the procedure, has died.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats against his partner is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • Several international flights scheduled to land at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport had to be diverted due to the discovery of a 'package of interest.'

    • Nova Scotia's political party leaders will return to the election campaign trail Tuesday after taking Monday off for Remembrance Day.

    • New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt will meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tuesday in Fredericton.

    • A weeklong closure of Portage Avenue East is set to begin Tuesday to allow for pre-construction traffic signal work at Portage and Main.

    • A sacred fire burning in Winnipeg has brought healing and hope to some members of Xavia Skye Lynn Butler’s family.

    • November 11th marks a solemn day across Canada, and Regina is no exception.

    • Fire crews reported that no one was hurt after flames broke out in a home on Robinson Street in central Regina.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • A team of tornado experts are investigating a path of damage through Wellington County.

    • A 15-year-old boy from Kitchener, Ont. is facing a long list of criminal charges as the Waterloo Regional Police Service wraps up a lengthy swatting investigation.

    • Family members and friends of a 43-year-old man who was fatally shot by police in Hamilton over the weekend says they’re devastated by his death and are seeking answers and justice for their loved one.

    • Saskatoon Public Library workers will be on strike Tuesday as part of ongoing contract negotiations with SPL.

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • Failing to comply with a property standards order issued by city hall could add almost $100,000 to the tax bill of a prominent eyesore in east London.

    • Changes proposed to the city’s Special Events By-law would allow outdoor concerts and music festivals to play later – but not louder.

    • According to police, the crash also resulted in a hydro pole being broken and damaging lines.

    • Fire crews were called to an early-morning fire at recycling depot on John Street.

    • A Barrie man is accused of being at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is acting unilaterally for one of the only times of his tenure thus far to help ensure a renovation project of a youth shelter gets completed.

    • Rumors began spreading this morning that the school’s annual Winter Walkthrough in December was being postponed until January.

    • A pair of thieves ripped the door of an east Windsor sports apparel store on Monday morning, leaving the store owner on the hook for thousands in stolen merchandise.

    • video

      video

      After a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) worker took their own life while on shift at the Ambassador Bridge Saturday, Â鶹´«Ã½ Public Safety Analyst Chris Lewis highlighted the mental health burdens faced daily by law enforcement.

    • A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.

    • A B.C. teen has a suspected case of H5N1 avian flu — the first known human to acquire the virus in Canada.

    • Second World War veteran Percival Smith was a teenager when he entered the British Merchant Navy, but after years at sea he emerged as a man who returned to a family he "couldn't even recognize" after the war.

    • A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • If you were at the cenotaph Remembrance Day ceremonies in Lethbridge, you may have caught a glimpse of our Dory Rossiter there on crutches.

    • Canadians across the country spent Monday paying tribute to the soldiers who have fought and died while serving Canada.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • Remembrance Day celebrations took place across the country Monday, with Canadians reflecting on the sacrifices made by the men and women who served our country.

    • Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹´«Ã½. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½