The Louis Vuitton men’s creative director receives France’s highest civilian honor
Pharrell Williams has joined the ranks of France’s most decorated cultural figures. The musician, designer, and Louis Vuitton men’s creative director was named a Knight of the Legion of Honor this week, which is France’s highest civilian recognition.
The honor was announced ahead of Bastille Day in the country’s official journal, where 589 individuals were recognized for their contributions to public and cultural life. Williams, who has been living in Paris with his wife and four children since taking over at Louis Vuitton in 2023, was acknowledged for his influence in reshaping fashion on a global stage.
The recognition also speaks to the way Williams has positioned himself within France’s fashion and cultural institutions. At Louis Vuitton, his work has extended beyond the runway, with projects that span jewelry, design, and product collaborations across the LVMH group.
He joins a notable group of fashion figures who have received the Legion of Honor over the years, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Kim Jones, and Yves Saint Laurent. The decoration is part of a long-standing French tradition of recognizing individuals who have shaped the nation’s cultural and intellectual life.
This year’s list also includes French singer Sylvie Vartan, composer Catherine Lara, novelist Marc Levy, and feminist activist Gisèle Pelicot, whose public testimony on gender-based violence helped change France’s laws on sexual assault.
For Williams, the knighthood is a recognition not just of his work at Vuitton, but of his broader impact as a cultural figure—one who continues to reimagine what creative innovation looks like while staying true to brand heritage.