A new chapter for Louis Vuitton Men’s has begun. Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton is here, and in his first campaign, the world is given a glimpse into his vision for the storied French Maison.
Calling upon a fashion icon herself, Rihanna stars alongside the emblematic Speedy bag, which Pharrell adapted as part of his debut collection for Louis Vuitton. Contextualized in new imagery photographed by Keizō Kitajima and Martine Syms, the images are an expansion of the foundation laid by Pharrell, representing the union of two icons: the classic Speedy Bag and Pharrell himself.
The New Louis Vuitton Speedy
Founded with a sense of wearability and adaptability, the Speedy Bag was originally created by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1930. Known first as the Express bag, it was born out of need and created for travel in leather. Then, in the late 1950s, the bag was re-launched as we know it today in Monogram Canvas, catapulting the bag’s appeal.
Pharrell’s iteration of a classic was inspired by his earliest introduction to the world of luxury: Canal Street in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Known for its diversity and its unique energy, the New Speedy encapsulates that visual language and stylistic attitude, paired with the unique Savoir-Faire of Louis Vuitton. The Speedy is an everyday icon, and this new version is said to be conceived for every walk of life.
Honoring the original trapezoid lines of the classic, Pharrell revives a House emblem in soft-grained lambskin leather with a more relaxed construction. A silkscreen-printed Monogram offers a soft, blurry effect. Appearing to be almost hand-painted, the new Speedy is offered in a variety of colors, appearing in a whopping nine sizes. This campaign is not only an ode to the Speedy, starring a pregnant Rihanna, but it is also said to be a nod to human empowerment.
