KNIGHT RIDER: Pharrell Williams, the multi-hyphenate musician, actor and current men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton, has been named a Knight of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian recognition.
The announcement was made in France’s official journal ahead of the country’s national Bastille Day celebrations. The list published Sunday morning recognized 589 individuals for their dedication to public and cultural service.
American performer Williams has evolved into a global fashion force since taking the reins at Louis Vuitton in 2023, where he has redefined the brand’s menswear by blending streetwear, luxury, entertainment and celebrity power.
He has also collaborated with other LVMH Moët Hennesy Louis Vuitton-owned brands on projects, such as a limited-edition bottle for Moët & Chandon, and jewelry for the house of Tiffany.
Since joining Vuitton, Williams has relocated to Paris with his wife and four children.
Joining Williams among the honorees were other French cultural figures. Veteran singer Sylvie Vartan and composer Catherine Lara were elevated to the rank of Commander. Actress Léa Drucker and comedian Sophia Aram were also knighted, alongside musician Jean-Louis Aubert, writer Marc Levy, novelist Andreï Makine, and author Emilie Frèche.
The highest honor of the Grand Cross was awarded to historian Mona Ozouf, a specialist in the French Revolution and secularism.
Closing the list is Gisèle Pelicot, who was also knighted. Pelicot became a global feminist symbol after she publicly testified about the years of drugging and rape she endured at the hands of her then-husband and a series of strangers he recruited in chatrooms. Her testimony raised awareness around rape and gender-based violence and ultimately changed the rape laws in France.
Williams joins fashion luminaries who have received the honor, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Kim Jones, who was knighted in January. Jones previously held the position of men’s artistic director of Louis Vuitton, as well as Dior and Fendi.
Historically, Yves Saint Laurent was named a Grand Officer in 2007, while Karl Lagerfeld and Pierre Cardin were named Commanders in 1997 and 2001 respectively.