The much-hyped Pharrell x Chanel collection is coming soon—really soon, in fact. Dropping April 4 in select Chanel boutiques around the world, the capsule was first announced back in October at Chanel’s Cruise 2018 show.
The announcement of the 40-piece collection’s release was accompanied by a short film inspired by Akira, the Japanese animated film, and starred Soo Joo Park, Adut Akech, Yoon Young Bae, Alton Mason, Adesuwa Aighewi, and Anok Yai. A one-minute clip was posted to Pharrell’s Instagram on Sunday, and the full 3:50-length version will debut on Chanel’s social media on Thursday.
Pharrell x Chanel is classic Chanel meets streetwear—think pearl necklaces worn with hoodies. Ten of the collection’s pieces will be ready-to-wear items, including robes, both long and short, and colorblock T-shirts. There will also be oversized shopper bags, fanny packs, and some “Chanel Pharrell” diamond jewelry. Williams is well-known for his gender-fluid dressing, often pairing Chanel pearls with hoodies and tweed jackets, like he did at both the 2016 Grammys and Chanel’s 2016 Metiers d’Art show.
The rapper/producer talked to WWD about the collection. “At that time, gender fluidity and these things addressing gender weren’t as loud and pronounced as they are now,” he said. “I was just doing it because it was just the way I felt. I lost the bet. It was a bet that I’ve been happy to lose.”
It also pays homage to founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s borrowing from menswear for the classic Chanel suit. In the video, Aighewi shows us the handwritten message on a pair of white sneakers, saying “I like this part where it says ‘Women will save the world.’”
Watch the behind-the-scenes video below:
https://youtu.be/urY4qfKhShg