We've been saying it for years, but now it's official: Pharrell is a "Fashion Icon." At the 2015 Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards, Pharrell was formerly awarded with the "Fashion Icon" award; an honor shared by previous winners Rihanna in 2014 , and Johnny Depp in 2012.
According to the CFDA, the aforementioned accolade is awarded to "an individual whose style has made a significant impact on popular culture on an international stage." Who better than Pharrell to walk away with this award? But if you don't believe us, take a look at Pharrell's entire career of fashion contributions.
Collaborations with Timberland, Uniqlo, and adidas are regular reminders that the super-producer is tapped into far more than just music. Even if you're not interested in his archive of collabs, there's no overlooking the effect that he's had on how we dress: from putting the spotlight on Bape in the late '00s—to the impact his own Billionaire Boys Club has left on streetwear.
Friend, musical collaborator, (and fellow style icon), Kanye West presented tonight's honor to Pharrell—which makes sense considering they effectively had a double date on the red carpet.
GOALS. #CFDAAwards pic.twitter.com/RqdUjt2yYk
— Complex Style (@ComplexStyle) June 2, 2015While we often applaud Yeezy's contributions to the men's fashion world, even Kanye admits to being inspired by Pharrell's fashion choices—even if he, as West himself puts it, is "like the angry Pharrell."
RT @wmag: "@Pharrell has always been my style idol." - @KanyeWest #CFDAAwards pic.twitter.com/IZkKn6yoE3
— A.M. (@Biggest_AL) June 2, 2015Streetwear aside, Skateboard P has also made a concerted effort to court the high fashion crowd too. He's had credits in a Chanel fashion film, and countless magazine editorials. Not to mention a thoughtful film about fashion, waste, and the environment for i-D.
Above all else, Pharrell has proven that not only is he willing to wear just about anything, he's also able to pull those outfits off like no other. Who else could turn a deadstock Vivienne Westwood hat into a pop culture phenomenon after the 2014 Grammys? If Pharrell is wearing it, you can bet it'll copied, worn, and—most importantly—talked about.
Upon accepting his award, Pharrell hit his motivational speaker flow, reminding the audience that being different, is our "ultimate asset." For someone like Pharrell—who surprised CFDA spectators by not wearing shorts to the red carpet—being different is a part of his DNA.
Dopeee RT @wmag: "That which makes us different is what makes us special," says @Pharrell. #CFDAAwards pic.twitter.com/FXB45YGBtN
— Computer Blues (@Ella_Amour) June 2, 2015He went on to explain his style influences—which include director Harmony Korine's "Gummo" and W magazine style director Edward Enniful—his exposure to Chanel through the work of Biggie, and even admitted to spending his first record deal check on clothes from Ralph "THE GAWD" Lauren.
@Pharrell accepts #fashionIcon award @CFDA #CFDAAwards and admits to spending his first record deal check @RalphLauren
— PORTER magazine (@PORTERmagazine) June 2, 2015Even with such a prestigious accolade, Pharrell remained humble as ever. He reminded the audience, "I'm not a style icon, I'm just inspired."
"I'm not a style icon, I'm just inspired." - @Pharrell #CFDAAwards
— W magazine (@wmag) June 2, 2015"If cool was a person, it would be Pharrell," said fashion designer and CFDA President Diane von Furstenberg. We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
Photo: Kanye giving @Pharrell his Fashion Icon Award at the #CFDAAwards tonight (at... http://t.co/EVx295IJSN
— Wack Museum (@VVackMuseum) June 2, 2015UPDATE 6/2: You can watch Pharrell's entire acceptance speech below.
