Fans of French Maison Louis Vuitton have been given a gift this week in the form of a new, exclusive podcast that will give listeners a deeper insight into the machinations of the storied brand. And naturally their first guest is the man who literally shut down a city for his debut show: Pharrell Williams.
In this era of digital connectedness, fashion podcasts have become a beacon for industry insiders and consumers seeking know more about their favourite designers and brands. Most of these operate either as archeological deep dives into specific components of design (Articles Of Interest) or focusing on the industry side of fashion (Business of Fashion).
But a chance to drink straight from Louis Vuitton’s own creative well, so to speak, is a welcome arrival for Damier devotees.
Hosted by French fashion journalist and documentary maker Loïc Prigent and available on all streaming platforms, the bi-monthly Louis Vuitton Extended is a journey that explores the various threads that make up Louis Vuitton’s cultural legacy. Currently scheduled for a bi-monthly release, Prigent will talk to the broad church of creative minds that contribute to crafting the universe of Louis Vuitton: creative director of womenswear Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of watches and jewellery Francesca Amfitheatrof and master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud.
In the first episode, Williams discusses what went on in the lead up to his debut show that took place on the famous Pont-Neuf. It also has an exclusive and poignant interview with Williams’ uncle, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, who helms the Voices on Fire choir that rounded off the Fashion Show in a storm of emotions with their song “JOY (Unspeakable)”.
Louis Vuitton isn’t the first major fashion house to bring their curatorial capabilities to the recording studio. Chanel, Balmain and fellow LVMH stablemate Dior have all taken to the airwaves in various ways. And Maison Margiela has been letting creative director John Galliano riff unhindered about his collections since 2016.
What makes Louis Vuitton’s foray into the medium so unique is the sheer expansiveness of the Maison’s reach: it’s not just the clothes. It’s collaborations, the network of creativity that is the architecture of the Louis Vuitton world.
You can listen to Louis Vuitton Extended here.
This article originally appeared on Grazia International