Credit: Laurent Blevennec and Thibault Durand
Pharrell Williams may already boast a staggering thirteen Grammy Awards, but on Friday, January 23, the visionary producer and designer secured one of the world’s most prestigious civilian distinctions. In a private ceremony at the Élysée Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron officially knighted the artist, recognizing his transformative impact on global culture.
The honor followed a high-profile week for Williams, 52, who had just debuted his Fall 2026 menswear collection for Louis Vuitton in Paris. During the event, President Macron presented the multidisciplinary creator with the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor). Williams was bestowed with the order’s signature red-ribboned medal, a tribute to his enduring contributions to the arts and creative industries.
“Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur. Grateful and blessed,” Williams shared with his followers on Instagram. The post featured a series of photographs from the historic afternoon, including a warm handshake with Macron. The celebration was also a family affair; Williams was joined by his wife, Helen Lasichanh, and their four children. They posed alongside French First Lady Brigitte Macron in the palace’s ornate reception rooms.
The guest list reflected Williams’ deep ties to the music elite. Longtime collaborator Pusha T was in attendance, as were hip-hop heavyweights Future and Quavo, both seen celebrating the milestone under the palace’s crystalline chandeliers.
This is not the first time the French Republic has recognized “Skateboard P.” He previously received the insignia of Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters. Beyond his three-decade legacy as a hitmaker and performer, Williams has redefined the intersection of music and fashion as the co-founder of Billionaire Boys Club and, since February 2023, as the Men’s Creative Director for the legendary fashion house Louis Vuitton.
