Inside Pharrell’s Time Capsule: Louis Vuitton FW26
Leaving the Louis Vuitton FW26 Reese felt like stepping out of a carefully designed time capsule by Pharrell Williams. Being invited to this presentation in Paris allowed me to experience the collection from the inside, at my own pace: it wasn’t just clothes, it was a slow, almost domestic journey through a world of its own, where every piece seemed to ask to be looked at, touched, and analyzed.
The show took place inside a recreation of Pharrell’s own house, a glass structure with clean lines that let in the light perfectly, surrounded by gardens scented and aromatized with care, creating a fully immersive sensory atmosphere. Every detail of the space made you feel like you were in a safe, timeless refuge: luxury as permanence, not as noisy spectacle.
In the show, it was incredible to watch the models move through the different spaces of the house, from glass living rooms to gardened patios. It made me feel that Louis Vuitton is no longer just selling fashion, but a complete lifestyle. Every movement and every garment felt like part of a ritual, and the environment elevated the value of each texture, color, and accessory. Live music, carefully designed lighting, and the placement of guests reinforced this feeling of intimacy and attention to detail: it wasn’t a conventional runway show, it was a moment to breathe and truly absorb the collection.
Creatively, Pharrell opted for a more restrained elegance than in previous seasons. ‘80s-inspired tailoring, structured coats, and preppy codes coexisted with real technical innovation: reflective fabrics, waterproof parkas, thermo-adaptive materials, and garments designed to last. The mostly neutral palette was punctuated with unexpected pops of color, while the fits naturally shifted between tight and oversized. Everything was impeccably executed, though at times the collection felt a bit too safe, prioritizing perfection and functionality over creative risk.
And the new iconic bags this season? That’s where Pharrell truly shined. The reversible, glow-in-the-dark Speedys, the utilitarian nylon-silk waterproof and wrinkle-resistant bags, the Vernis reimagined in soft suede, and the trunks with stained-glass-inspired finishes showed a playful creativity that contrasted with the restraint of the clothing. In footwear, the BBC Board Flips returned in voluminous versions, while the new LV Drop sneakers, slim and adorned with droplet details, added fun and surprise. The Monogram, celebrating 130 years, tied the collection together without losing its heritage, while live music and the curated front row completed an experience that made perfect sense in Pharrell’s carefully constructed world.
If I had to choose, I’d go with one of the structured coats paired with a utilitarian waterproof nylon backpack; it perfectly captures the balance between elegance and functionality Pharrell aimed for. I also loved the jackets with that “wet shine” effect. As for accessories, the glow-in-the-dark Speedy or the bunny-shaped bag would definitely be my pick: fun, original, and practical all at once.
I hope that by March I keep growing in these experiences, and that the next step will be to attend his show in person, analyze every detail up close, and fully live that time-capsule feeling. This experience was already unforgettable, but seeing it with my own eyes from the front row would take it to another level.
Words: @annaamaso