The New York Times: A Week with Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams’ versatile expertise has earned him an international reputation as
Pharrell Williams’ versatile expertise has earned him an international reputation as business-savvy innovator and visionary. As a music consultant, along with Hans Zimmer, for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony and the founder of the fashion lines Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream, it is obvious that Pharrell’s daily schedule is of interest among his industry peers and beyond. The New York Times accompanied the Virginia Beach-native for a week proving that for Skateboard P, music and fashion go hand in hand.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15 In Miami, it’s usually warm, but I’m mostly indoors. I started off my day wearing a Billionaire Boys Club white crew neck T-shirt, blue denim jeans and SpongeBob SquarePants toe socks. I love SpongeBob; I just think he’s funny. Squidward is my favorite, though. If he was a human, I would hang out with him. I had a photo shoot scheduled with my good friend Nigo for his brand Human Made and we decided to have the shoot at my apartment. I modeled a lot of the clothes, which pay homage to the very early Levi’s cuts, and ended up really loving these striped shorts. They were simple but the fit was awesome. I tried to take it from Nigo, but he said he needed it.
After the shoot, I headed to the studio to meet up with Diplo. Kept on the jeans and changed into a blue flannel shirt, black N.E.R.D. logo skullcap and my custom Timberland six-inch black leather boots. I drew on the boots with white and red Sharpie paint pens. It’s a bit American mall rat- and punk-influenced: some cartoon graphics and a small Chanel CC logo. After, I stopped by one of my favorite stores in Miami, the Webster. The owners have great taste and they carry Chanel. I’m a really big fan.
THURSDAY, FEB. 16A very rare day off. Aside from a few conference calls, I spent it at home with my family, so just put on a Gap white V-neck T-shirt, gray sweat pants and my oversized Mickey Mouse yellow slippers.
FRIDAY, FEB. 17 Off to New York for a photo shoot. I wore my black leather jacket: a biker style and a collaboration between Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons and Vanson. Nigo introduced me to Junya Watanabe’s designs a few years ago and I’ve liked Junya’s sensibility ever since: out of the box, but not trying too hard. I added a blue and red flannel shirt and a black skullcap. Our next destination was L.A. To prevent myself from getting sick on the plane, I wrapped a Junya plaid and camouflage print scarf around my neck.
SATURDAY, FEB. 18 First session of rehearsals for the Oscars today. The weather was beautiful and sunny so I wore a Human Made logo T-shirt, RRL blue selvedge denim jeans and my black Lanvin sunglasses. On my feet were the six-inch Timbs. I’m a creature of habit. You can always expect the temperature to drop at night here in L.A., so I brought my blue Mark McNairy workman’s jacket with me.
SUNDAY, FEB. 19 Day 2 of rehearsals at Capitol Records. Still can’t believe that I have the opportunity to be involved. Hans and I collaborated, but it’s mainly his world, which is like a university. I’m just lucky that I got a full scholarship. Wore my default outfit: a Billionaire Boys Club white V-neck shirt, blue jeans, black N.E.R.D. logo skullcap, Junya Watanabe black leather jacket and the Timbs with red laces. Tied a gray and red flannel shirt around my waist. Grunge, baby!
MONDAY, FEB. 20 Presidents’ Day. Worked with Corinne Bailey Rae in one room and my new hip-hop artist Buddy in another room. I decided to wear a gray V-neck shirt, navy hoodie, black RRL jeans and black low-cut Chuck Taylor sneakers. I also brought along an Hermès Haut à Courroies bag in camel. I use it for my computer.
TUESDAY, FEB. 21 Another session today with Corinne. We spoke yesterday on doing another track together. I went to the studio wearing an olive Billionaire Boys Club V-neck T-shirt in this super soft pima cotton, jeans and tan Timberland chukka boots. (I also drew a small Chanel CC logo on this pair.) After, I had to attend a dinner party at the Chateau Marmont. I wore a white V-neck shirt and dark blue Ralph Lauren denim jeans. Over that was a gray Junya blazer in this wool sweater material. It also had brown suede front pockets and elbow patches. On my feet, I had on black wingtip boots, a classic style but bright yellow soles. Lastly, I put on this white gold and diamond ring, superoversized — you know, for the sake of fashion.
