In a Western-themed showcase on the first day of Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Louis Vuitton unveiled the Men’s Fall Winter 2024 collection, on January 16, 2024. All eyes were back on Men’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams for his return to Paris to present his debut Fall Winter collection.

Image courtesy: @louisvuitton

Showtime

Held at the Garden d’Acclimatation in Paris, home to the Louis Vuitton Foundation since 2005, the set features an immersive stage where models weave through rows of onlookers. Entitled Paris LVirginia, Pharrell Williams drew inspiration from the roots of the American Western wardrobe, creating a captivating fusion of cowboy aesthetics, American Dandies, and rugged Western motifs.

Image courtesy: GQ Magazine

Pharrell’s show transported the audience to a western vista, complete with a sand-tone runway featuring the distinctive Damier print. The collection boasts a diverse range, from sophisticated tailored suits, to double denim and intricately embellished leather pieces. No quiet luxury here.

Accessories seamlessly weave into the narrative of Paris LVirginia, featuring an abundance of tassels, cowboy hats, collar tips, saddle blankets, and, of course, lassos. Footwear isn’t confined to traditional Western boots; the highly anticipated Timberland x LV collaboration makes its grand debut on the runway. Pharrell recently hinted at this exciting collaboration in a short video posted on the ‘Skateboard’ Instagram account, adding an extra layer of anticipation before the show.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

When it comes to the bags, there were a lot of them. Nearly every ensemble included a bag or trunk. Pharrell’s signature vibrant Speedy Bandoulière took on a new life with a burst of fresh and lively colorways, textures, and prints. Simultaneously, the iconic LV Damier print underwent several transformations, reminiscent of the dynamic ‘Damoflage’ showcased during Williams’ debut show – including a cow print iteration that adds a playful touch to the collection.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

With an abundance of bags spotted on the runway, we do a run-down of our favorite picks. . .

Speedys & Keepalls Abound

Since Pharrell took the reins as Men’s Creative Director, the iconic Speedy has been firmly in the spotlight. In this latest collection, the Speedy takes center stage once again, adorned with embroidery, studs, fringes, and hand-painted details. However, Pharrell’s creative touch doesn’t stop at Speedys this season; the Keepall undergoes its own Western-inspired transformation too – featuring everything from cowhide to classic Monogram and ‘so black’ variations.

Speedy P9 Bandoulière

Pharrell’s coveted reinterpretation of the LV Speedy, fresh from his debut collection, has just hit boutiques. While it’s now available in an array of vibrant colorways, there’s more to come. The luxurious calfskin Speedy P9 appeared on the latest runway in four new shades – turquoise, beige, bright Fuschia, and purple.

Image courtesy: @webcloud

Image courtesy: @harpersbazaarhk

Image courtesy: @Iv_collectibles

Image courtesy: @Iv_collectibles

In yet another ‘upgrade’, the Speedy P9 was showcased in Monogrammed ostrich leather in a khaki colorway, complemented by matching textured Vachetta tone leather. The question of whether it’s embossed or the real deal remains unconfirmed.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Painted & Embroidered

Pharrell’s mastery of authenticity shines through this collection. Backstage with GQ Magazine, Pharrell noted that individuals from the Dakota and Lakota tribes contributed to the accessories lineup. Particularly, in the creation of several versions of the Speedy bag. These iterations showcase authentic hand-paintings and intricate embroideries inspired by desert flowers.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Infusing a modern flair amongst the authentic, contemporary LV iterations shine among the embroidered and embossed lineup, featuring designs reminiscent of those found on Western-style bikers and cowboy boots.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

‘Cowmooflage’

Mooving over (pun intended), Pharrell’s ‘Damoflage’ has effortlessly morphed into a pixelated cow print, appropriately named ‘Cowmooflage’ by Vogue. This playful pattern is showcased on suiting, leather trucker jackets, and trunks. Of course, the Speedy Bandoulière isn’t exempt from the Cowmooflage makeover, featuring white leather trimmings and fringed luggage tag detailing. For an extra touch of cowboy camping allure, a matching bottle bag is attached.

But there’s more to the cattle call. Enter the cow-hide bags, crafted entirely from textured skin. Enhanced with deep brown leather detailing and contrasting stitching, these textured bags are devoid of any obvious branding, yet remain obviously Louis Vuitton.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Croc-Embossed

Venturing away from the pastures, and to something more exotic. And presumably more expensive. Introducing the Speedy Bandoulière, adorned with intricate gold-tone metalwork.

For LoVers of the ‘Millionaires’ Speedy from Pharrell’s first collection, there’s the black croc-embossed leather Speedy. This elaborate piece features contrasting silver-tone hardware, a Western belt-inspired shoulder strap, and a silver Monogram.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: @Iv_collectibles

Buffalo Check

There’s a sprinkling of Buffalo Check throughout the collection, most notably on the Speedy in sizes ranging from 20 to 40. Embracing mustard tones and classic reds, this plaid canvas design offers another fresh take on LV’s timeless Damier print, to create the Buffalo Check. The distinctive Buffalo Check Speedy’s are complemented with leather accents and fringed luggage tags.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Shadow Speedy

2018’s Shadow Monogram Speedy Bandoulière 40 reappears but with a Pharrell fresh interpretation. Crafted from sleek black leather, devoid of any Monogram, this new Speedy iteration showcases its iconic details embossed into the supple leather. Reminiscent of the Hermès Shadow Birkin, the bag is complete with an LV luggage tag and an embossed shoulder strap and finished with so-black hardware.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Studded

With such a cattle-infused collection, it’s no surprise that studs embellish many bags. Consider it a continuation of Pharrell’s earlier pearl-encrusted sacs. The new studded black Damier print adds a bold and edgy touch to the lineup. There’s also the heavily Wild West-inspired Speedy – complete with a saddle-inspired aesthetic, fringing, embossing, and metal work.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Pared-Back

While the Fall-Winter 2024 collection embraces bold designs, there are also some pared-back offerings. This minimalist design exhibits what appears to be a full Vachetta leather construction. Enhanced with utilitarian outer pocket detailing, embossed branding, and rivet embellishments, the Speedy exudes a handcrafted aesthetic.

On a similar note, there’s also the Keepall in tan leather, featuring an innovative flap-over design. Secured with the standard zip-top fastening, an additional flap covers the bag, fastening with a padlock. With no visible Monogram, it boasts a sleek and timeless design.

Image courtesy: @Iv_collectibles

Image courtesy: Vogue

Steamer Luggage

There’s a new range of bags in the lineup – a contemporary iteration of Louis Vuitton’s classic Steamer luggage, originally introduced in 1901. In appearance, the bags share similarities with the Steamer but boast a slightly more utilitarian design. Presented in a crossbody messenger-style satchel and a top-handle tote, these styles come in a range of sizes. The squarish proportions, along with sangles, a flap, and a lock fastening draw inspiration from the original design. Meanwhile, the leather iterations certainly evoke the luxurious aesthetic of the Hermès HAC. Displayed in a plethora of fabrics and textures – from Monogram canvas to croc-embossed, ostrich, and studded variations too.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

And it doesn’t stop with the leather bags. Pharrell has completely revitalized the iconic canvas Steamer luggage design. Spotted in two sizes, the new Steamer boasts the timeless Monogram canvas with Vachetta details, adorned with a fringed luggage tag. The oversized offering pays homage to Stephen Sprouse with graffiti-inspired ‘Marque L.Vuitton Désposée.’

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Side Trunk Inspired

Originally released in the women’s Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2023 collection, the Side Trunk is back with some Pharrell touches. Demonstrating the same contemporary, soft silhouette, now it is elevated with Western-inspired hardware details and a fringed luggage tag.

Pharrell introduces a fresh silhouette by adapting the original shape into a rounded aesthetic, reminiscent of a wooden chest. This new design was spotted on the runway in a ‘worn out’ Monogram canvas and intricately embossed leather, complete with a woven handle – both framed with horseshoes at each end panel.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Mini Soft Trunk Bag

Another unique iteration presents a hybrid of the Petite Malle and the Mini Soft Trunk bag. Boasting the recognizable semi-rigid silhouette and signature trunk-style corners of the Mini Soft Trunk, the bag is elevated with a gold S-lock closure. Upgraded with a leather top handle and an adjustable crossbody strap, this style was spotted in a variety of fabrics, including classic Monogram, leather, and the new Cowmooflage and plaid canvas.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Saumur Bag

This is not the Saumur’s bag’s first Louis Vuitton rodeo. Presented on the runway in two bold iterations – the intricately embroidered design with subtle Monogram detail, and the leather version featuring Western-inspired hardware. These stand out with any ensemble.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Sac Tambourine

Pharrell apparently has delved into the depths of LV’s archives for this collection, reimagining and unveiling the new Sac Tambourine. The new renditions feature the same familiar silhouette, and adjustable shoulder strap, without the leather buckle fastening. Displayed in croc-embossed suede and intricately designed leather, both feature horseshoe-inspired brass hardware.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Christopher Backpack

Once again, Pharrell has elevated the Christopher backpack, this time, to Western heights. It makes a statement in a mustard and brown Buffalo Check Damier-inspired print, adorned with elongated fringe details on the luggage tag.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Turn the Page

The illusion of models walking the runway clutching books swiftly transformed into cleverly designed bags. These book-inspired creations feature Monogram covers, with one design featuring a detachable shoulder strap, while the other embraces simplicity as a clutch. This was a style that featured in the Women’s Cruise 2023 collection in Monogram.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: @harpersbazaarhk

Trunks

True to the essence of a Louis Vuitton show, an impressive array of luggage pieces and trunks took to the runway. Wheeled into the spotlight, the Cowmooflage and plaid trunks shared the runway with smaller handheld pieces adorned with so black Monogram. Notably, some of these trunks even housed the Timberland x Louis Vuitton collection.

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Image courtesy: Vogue

Other Bags

Introducing an avant-garde bag with a rigid, curvaceous form, featuring an inbuilt top handle and a distinctive half-and-half design – smooth leather at the top, and Monogram embossing on the bottom. The ergonomic design adds a contemporary addition to the lineup of classics.

Image courtesy: @webcloud

What are your takes on Pharrell’s latest collection? Are you still loving the Speedy P9 in the fun new colorways? Or are you drawn to the new Cowmooflage print? Let us know your thoughts.