Today is Pharrell Williams' birthday. Known for hits like Happy, Frontin', and Freedom, the artist has also established himself as a style icon and renowned designer over the years. In 2023, he was appointed artistic director of men's fashion at Louis Vuitton, a top position in the fashion world.
His appointment came as no surprise, given his long-standing impact as a creative pioneer, not only in music and streetwear but also in design projects that blend fashion, culture, and social issues.
One of his most influential collaborations? His partnership with adidas.
Pharrell and adidas
Pharrell Williams started his collaboration with adidas in 2014 with colorful variations of the Stan Smith. The artist gave the classic model a playful, bold twist with bright colors and graphic details — in line with his style at Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, two labels he founded in the early 2000s.
In 2016, the Human Race NMD followed, known for its expressive use of color and powerful words like 'Human' and 'Equality.' This sneaker evolved into the HU line, where Pharrell reinterpreted classic models and used design to convey themes like equality, connection, and identity.
With adidas as a platform, he brought his vision to life on a global scale, doing so with great success
Pharrell at helm at Louis Vuitton
Since his collaboration with adidas, Williams has firmly positioned himself in the realms of fashion, sneakers, and music. His partnerships with major names like Chanel and Tiffany & Co. added further recognition to his work, and in 2023, he received the ultimate honor by being appointed Creative Director at Louis Vuitton – one of the highest positions in the fashion world.
As Creative Director at Louis Vuitton, Williams builds on a style he has refined over the years: bold, colorful, and deeply rooted in music and street culture. His debut at Paris Fashion Week in 2023 brought all these elements together in a striking collection that blurred the lines between high fashion and streetwear.
During the Fall/Winter 2025 show, a collaboration between Pharrell Williams and Nigo held during Paris Fashion Week in January 2025, the ButterSoft sneaker was unveiled. With its rounded shapes and retro vibe, it evokes memories of models like the Nike Cortez — and Pharrell’s earlier work with adidas, particularly his version of the Superstar.
Full circle
Soon after, Pharrell revealed his reimagined version of adidas' most iconic silhouette: the Superstar. The Superstar 92 made its debut during (again) Paris Fashion Week and seems to bridge Pharrell's vision for Louis Vuitton, looking closely at the previously mentioned Louis Vuitton ButterSoft.
The sneaker felt like a tribute to the past and a design for the future. And just like with the ButterSoft sneaker for Louis Vuitton, Pharrell played with recognizable shapes in an innovative way — a design trait that continues to define his work as a designer.
Shortly after the release of the adidas Superstar 92, the adidas Jellyfish, also designed by Williams, was launched. Inspired by classic retro models like the Adistar Cushion and the Response CL, this sneaker features a chunky silhouette with an oversized look and striking details.
A silhouette that might feel a bit out of place in the current sneaker landscape – the Balenciaga Triple S had been absent from the streets for several years – but Pharrell knows how to bring 'chunky' back into the spotlight. There’s a good chance that at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week, we’ll see a Louis Vuitton version of this sneaker. A bit of a full-circle moment.
More than a collaboration
It seems that Williams is perfectly at home with both adidas and Louis Vuitton. With his designs, the designer has already created standout collections. From the first Stan Smiths to the experimental Jellyfish: each design exudes Pharrell's recognizable, meaningful signature.
What started as a creative project at adidas in the 2010s has evolved into a powerful brand moment. In an era where brands are competing for relevance, Pharrell shows how vision and authenticity truly make a difference. His latest designs confirm this once again. Happy Birthday, Pharrell!
Yes, Pharrell Williams is still collaborating with adidas. Their partnership remains strong, and Pharrell continues to have a significant influence on the brand's direction. With iconic sneaker designs like the Superstar 92 and the Jellyfish.
The adidas Superstar 92 is a reimagining of the classic Superstar, designed by Pharrell Williams. The designer gave the adidas Superstar 92 a modern twist by incorporating bold proportions and premium materials.
