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Virgil Abloh became men’s artistic director in 2018. And it was more than just a creative appointment; it was a shift in culture. It rewrote the playbook and handed the pen to a whole new generation. Virgil Abloh–the founder of Off white, a trained architect and a Chicago native, rooted in hip-hop and street culture, he created everything the fashion world expects from luxury.

He didn’t try to blend in with the hallowed halls of high-end fashion; he kicked the doors open and let the youth in. He didn’t just walk into Louis Vuitton; he flipped the switch and bought a whole new audience with him. From the moment he stormed the runway, people knew that the runway had changed, and so is the game.

Louis Vuitton was suddenly in the conversation with the streets, the internet, and the youth. Louis Vuitton had become a new place where hoodies could sit beside tailored jackets, and street culture could walk the Paris runway. 

And now, after Ablow’s untimely passing, Pharrell Williams stepping into his role has left the fashion world wondering, “ Where does the house go from here?”

The Virgil Era, making streetwear luxe

Virgil didn’t just put streetwear on the runway; he made it feel right at home there. His designs were lit and exclusive. Tailored suits were remixed with graffiti prints, and hoodies were cut like couture. His shoes were visual essays that spoke in an elegant, cool, and chic manner. He brought hip hop, architecture, art, culture, and community in one runway. Virgil understood one thing: fashion is all about storytelling. But his influence was far beyond aesthetics.

He democratized luxury: 

For Virgil, luxury wasn’t about exclusivity; it was about accessibility. Not necessarily with money, but energy. He brought collaborators of different ages and from different places, and gave fans a seat at the table. His designs referenced mix tapes, pop culture, and real life. 

He believed in the remix:

Whether he was collaborating with Nike, working with IKEA, or unexpected drops with artists and designers across the world, Virgil loved collaborations. He made fashion a conversation. He treated fashion like music, something that can be created, remixed, and shared. 

He made space for new voices:

Virgil left behind a legacy of talented young designers. He mentored them, gave chances to underrepresented voices, and changed the definition of who luxury was for and who could shape it. 

Pharrell At The Helm, a new chapter or just a remix 

In 2023, Louis Vuitton made headlines again. This time, by naming Pharrell Williams was named the new Men’s Creative Director. He is a global superstar with a huge influence on fashion. But he was not an obvious choice for some, as he is not a trained designer. What makes him suitable is that he is also a cultural force, just like Virgil.

He brought vibes through his debut SS24 collection. Paris’s Pont Neuf became his stage, top listeners filled the row, and the looks were bold. Pharrell’s work, like Damier camo suits, luxe textures, and oversized outerwear leans more into extravagance, nostalgia, and polished street energy. 

So the big question:

Is Pharrell carrying forward Virgil’s legacy or writing a new one? 

While both are boundary-blurring artists, Pharrell’s tone so far feels louder, flashier, and more celebratory. It is less introspective and more audacious. It is star-powered, no doubt, but is it revolutionary the way Virgil was?

Luxury in 2025

Here’s where it gets interesting. Fashion itself is evolving again! Before, it was about logo mania and hype culture. Now it has shifted to a new concept called  “Quiet Luxury.” It means having low-key, logo-less, ultra-minimal looks that whisper wealth instead of shouting it. Think of stealth wealth, muted palettes, fine tailoring, and craftsmanship that speaks volumes without any effort. 

So where does a house that was meant for visibility like Louis Vuitton stand? 

Likely somewhere in the middle. We might see the mix-and-match of collections that combine Virgil’s cultural fluency with a more sophisticated, timeless approach. Bold yet considered. Street smart but clean cut. 

What we can expect from Louis Vuitton is more ‘art meets fashion’ collaborations, sustainable storytelling, ethical materials, tech-powered drops, and tailoring with edge minus the flash. But again, Louis Vuitton is one of a kind. It doesn’t need to follow trends. It’s more likely to create its version of what comes next. Louis Vuitton deserves its seat. 

A Legacy Still In Motion

Virgil Abloh didn’t just dress models. He designed a mindset. He paved the way for young creatives to see themselves in luxury. And in doing so, he redefined what luxury could mean. His passing did leave a void, but he also left a blueprint–one that valued creativity over conformity, culture over clout, and inclusivity over ego. 

Pharrell may spin the wheel in different directions. But the challenge remains the same–staying relevant with culture while honoring the new fashion concepts with the spirit that made people fall in love with this new era of Louis Vuitton. Fashion is not the reflection of the world; the world is the reflection of fashion. Virgil’s legacy has taught us not to hold on to the past, to constantly push forward with purpose, perspective, and to put people in the spotlight. Remember that fashion is where the soul meets the stitch.