Pharrell Williams delivered an energetic rendition of ‘Happy’ at the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, captivating attendees despite debates about the suitability of such performances in historic sites. Since becoming Louis Vuitton’s artistic director, he has embraced life in France, emphasizing his love for the country. Pharrell’s diverse career includes chart-topping hits and successful ventures in fashion and cosmetics. Recently appointed a UNESCO goodwill ambassador, he focuses on arts, education, and philanthropy, including initiatives for marginalized communities.
Pharrell Williams’ Joyful Performance at Notre-Dame
Sporting a cap, luxurious fur coat, and dazzling gold teeth, Pharrell Williams captivated audiences with his global sensation ‘Happy’ during the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris in early December. While some may question the appropriateness of such a performance in a historic venue, it was a far cry from the controversy that surrounded Philippe Katerine’s unconventional appearance at the Paris Olympics. Pharrell’s act was seamless, leaving many to ponder the essence of taste in contemporary performances.
From Music to Luxury: Pharrell’s French Journey
Since being appointed the artistic director of Louis Vuitton last year, following the untimely passing of his dear friend Virgil Abloh, Pharrell has truly embraced life in the City of Lights. Last summer, it was revealed that he and his wife Helen, along with their four children, have settled into a quaint palace near the Samaritaine, where the kids now attend schools in Hauts-de-Seine. Pharrell has openly expressed his affection for France, stating, “I am living a love story with the French, France, and Paris,” in a previous interview with Madame Figaro.
Pharrell’s rise to prominence began in the early 2000s, when he made waves in urban music as part of The Neptunes alongside Chad Hugo. This dynamic duo produced chart-topping hits for artists like Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, and Britney Spears. After a successful stint with N.E.R.D., Pharrell truly found his stride with the infectious ‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk and the sultry ‘Blurred Lines’ with Robin Thicke. His ultimate breakthrough came with ‘Happy,’ originally crafted for the soundtrack of *Despicable Me 2*, which later appeared on his album *Girl*, coinciding with an art exhibition celebrating feminine beauty in Paris.
In 2017, as the music industry faced challenges due to the streaming era, Pharrell diversified his portfolio, much like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. He launched successful sneaker collaborations with Chanel and Adidas, followed by the introduction of Humanrace, a gender-neutral cosmetics line made from vegan ingredients.
Three years later, Pharrell was chosen to succeed his late friend Virgil Abloh as the men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton. Both shared a vision of luxury that was vibrant, inclusive, and filled with positivity. Unlike Kanye West, whose controversies have overshadowed his talent, Pharrell’s approach has been refreshing for a major company like LVMH.
Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, recently appointed Pharrell as a goodwill ambassador for the arts, education, and entrepreneurship. She described him as a “complete artist” and a “humanist” dedicated to using culture for global peace and youth empowerment.
Often staying out of the spotlight, Pharrell dedicates time and resources to philanthropic efforts. In 2008, he founded YELLOW, an NGO focused on educating marginalized communities. He also plays a vital role in Black Ambition, an incubator supporting Black and Latino entrepreneurs in various sectors.
During a recent ceremony in Paris, Pharrell expressed his gratitude for being selected by UNESCO and highlighted his commitment to furthering their mission. The event featured a screening of his biopic *Piece by Piece*, created with Lego bricks, which aims to raise awareness about synesthesia, a neurological condition he has experienced since childhood. Pharrell explained, “It’s that instead of distinguishing, your senses remain confused,” illustrating how he perceives sound and color simultaneously. Data suggests that approximately 4 to 5% of the global population experiences synesthesia in various forms.