Of all the far-flung fashion shows, in increasingly exotic and distant destinations, the passport-stamping antics of a luxury fashion house founded as a luggage company is surely the most on-brand. It’s no surprise then that for Louis Vuitton’s first ever men’s pre-fall runway, and Pharrell’s second show for the brand, all the LVovers were flown in to Hong Kong. This comes at a time when the city is rolling out of its post-pandemic slumber, reopening its borders earlier this year after nearly three years of closure. 

This side of the world is a place Pharrell has both respect and a personal affinity for, explaining ahead of the show: “We could go anywhere in the world, and this is where we wanted to be – I owe so much of my career to so many people here, not only from supporters but other creatives, this side of the earth has just been so good to us and I wanted them to know that with this appointment, nothing would change. In fact, I’ll do what I can to share this platform.” 

And that is what he did, with a show overlooking the boats sailing past on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, inspired by Hawaiian holidays and the Hong Kong businessman journeying between the two. Think sailors, boardroom to beach house, moon-surfing, star-gazing and dreamy landscapes that truly capture Pharrell’s dream-like vision.

Here’s everything you need to know.

THE INVITE WAS A T-SHIRT

Waiting for guests in their hotel room was a handy Louis Vuitton Hong Kong city guide, alongside a tea set with an array of all six categories with tastes ranging from “sweet and brisk” to “mellow and umami”. Inside the invite box itself was a beaded friendship bracelet and a graphic sunshine-y motif. The welcome note explained that the “mythic location” was chosen by Pharrell himself because of its “longstanding relationship with Hong Kong SAR”, which goes back 40 years.

IT TOOK PLACE ON HK’S ANSWER TO THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME

Dubbed the “Hollywood of the East”, the famed Avenue of Stars is a popular tourist destination celebrating local legends of pop culture –  essentially, it’s the eastern hemisphere’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame where you can find hand prints of Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Bruce Lee, and loads more. Considering his debut Louis Vuitton show had an almost incomprehensibly star-studded guestlist, many have questioned how he could possibly top the occasion. The Avenue of Stars seems like a rather apt choice and the irony does not evade us. It’s the first time in history that a fashion show has taken place at the iconic location and renowned arts and cultural hub that has been a bustling port of note since the 15th century.

PLENTY OF FAMOUS FRIENDS SHOWED UP 

@dazed TNT in the house 🚨 #DazedFashionTV #TikTokFashion #LVMenPreFall24 #PharrellWilliams #LouisVuitton #teensintimes ♬ original sound - dazed

Speaking of stars, naturally, they came, they saw and they most certainly frowed. The boys of TNT made an entrance in head-to-toe looks alongside the likes of Pusha-T, Swiss Beatz and his son, LV model Nasir Dean, Dylan Wang, Zhu Yilong, and Tyshawn. 

…AND SOME EVEN GOT INVOLVED

@dazed @Swae Lee, @rauwalejandro and @Pharrell did a track together for the @Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 24 Men’s show 🌪️ #DazedFashionTV #TikTokFashion #LVMenPreFall24 #PharrellWilliams #LouisVuitton #runway ♬ original sound - dazed

In the days leading up to the show, the bass from show rehearsals rattled the windows of the hotel guests were put up in. The sounds were revealed to be an unreleased Pharrell track when the musician leaking an eleven-second snippet to Instagram. Finally, at the show itself, attendees got their first proper listen to ”Airplane Tickets“ – a track that also features collaborators Swae Lee and Rauw Alejandro, who jumped out of their seats on the frow to give an impromptu performance alongside 50 ukelele players.

THE COLLECTION ITSELF LOOKED TO THE SEA

@dazed @Pharrell took us to Hong Kong for his second @Louis Vuitton show WDYT of the collection? #DazedFashionTV #TikTokFashion #LVMenPreFall24 #PharrellWilliams #LouisVuitton #runway ♬ original sound - dazed

This was a collection that somehow found its way from the boardroom to the beach, as seen on a dynamic cast of models from the local scene, the Hawaiian surf community, and friends and family of the house. 

Tailoring accentuated the waist and shoulders with a dandy-like flair, while sailors’ uniforms were reimagined as double-breasted suits and high-waisted flared trousers punctuated with pearls and pin-striping. Hammering home the naval influences were the little sailor hats that finished many looks, as well as bomber jackets with nautical collars and woven raffia bags, including a signature Keepall hand-stitched with seashells, and a Speedy dotted with pearls.

Elsewhere, Pharrell further demonstrated his penchant for a great two-piece set, which comes as no surprise from the man who defines luxury by its convenience – what could possibly be more convenient than an outfit that does all the hard work of looking good for you? They came in tropical floral prints in a nod to Hawaii, as well as sequin-splattered styles.

On the accessories side of things, a new LV Space Lander slip-on debuted in suede and denim stood out alongside the 3D-printed LV Cobra – a mesh, monogrammed slip-on shoe made using a technique exclusive to Vuitton.