Pharrell at Louis Vuitton celebrates the diversity of human skin in Paris UNESCO show

PARIS — On the eve of the Paris Olympics, Louis Vuitton celebrated the beauty of humans and their skin in a star-studded men’s fashion showcase at the headquarters of the UN cultural agency, UNESCO, in Paris. Models dressed in outfits in every shade of human flesh paraded around a giant globe on grass patterned with Vuitton’s signature Damier check, creating a visual symphony of diversity.

“It was an homage to human beings,” menswear designer Pharrell Williams, who named the Summer Olympics, said Tuesday night for a show that felt like a journey across continents against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower and a giant globe. “It went from black to dark brown, to brown, to light brown, to beige, a little bit of gray… and finally to white,” the singer-turned-couture designer said of the spring exhibit celebrating diversity.

The spectacular collection highlighted paintings in shades of green, blue and black, inspired by the designs of Air Afrique luggage. This airline, which operated since the 1960s and for decades, has become a symbol of diasporic creativity, according to Vuitton. With contributions from creatives such as Lamine Diaoune and Djiby Kebe, Williams infused the collection with a sense of global unity.

Inspired by the UN cultural headquarters packed with ambassadors, Williams explored various archetypes. The Diplomat appeared in rich, deep tones of ’70s-inflected tailoring. The Explorer appeared in rugged yet stylish outerwear, including utility jackets and vests. The dandy, another key figure, strutted down the Damier-check grass catwalk in jackets and coats adorned with beading and pearl embroidery.

Against a dramatic sky, with shifting clouds and waving world flags, the collection’s color progression reflected the diversity of the models, moving from darker to lighter tones. This gave way to a more integrated mix, symbolizing multicultural harmony. This theme extended to the garments, which included pixelated python skin patterns and world maps centered on Africa. A reinterpretation of the Damier pattern featured pale brown checks with multi-colored details. Leather soccer ball designs paid homage to the world’s favorite sport.

Enameled maps were embedded into the buttons and the LV logo appeared subtly etched into the materials. Intricate details like black-on-black embroidery and crystal and pearl details added layers of sophistication.

It also introduced a range of luxury accessories, including vintage-inspired designs in soft leather with oversized monogram patterns and distressed leather trim.

The show combined complexity with apparent simplicity, serving as a showcase of luxury and a universal statement about the unity, division and wealth of the diaspora.

Once again, the famous designer made the show almost more of an act of putting on a show than a clothing showcase. This seems to be the spirit of the times. Among the stars who applauded were Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.

Speaking about the tumult the world is currently experiencing and the prevalence of world flags around the UN building representing some nations at odds or worse, Pharrell said he would “never dare to think (that this show) could be a reason for people to come together. But presenting that notion (of peace) and presenting the possibility in a poetic way is the only thing we can do.’”