Pharrell Williams Talks Partnership With Adidas, Tiffany & Co., And New Product Launch With His Beauty Brand, Humanrace
Fans are going to be happy to know that Pharrell has some big things to drop this year.
Adidas has partnered with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine’s Iovine and Young Academy and PENSOLE founder D’Wayne Edwards who came together in hopes of helping students who want to embrace their creativity and seek expanded possibilities for their future.
Last fall, the students participated in a series of “Wood U” workshops with Inglewood native, D Smoke, to design an apparel and footwear line that just launched in select L.A. stores on Feb. 7th. The program offered an entirely new way of learning for students from marginalized communities who are passionate about design, technology, and entrepreneurship and will continue to be available throughout L.A. County.
As part of a deeper commitment to the L.A. community, the sneaker brand also worked with Williams' Black Ambition organization in January to host a series of workshops ranging from crowdfunding tactics to sustainable practices for local communities with an opportunity to pitch their ideas to the “Come Get It Bae” musician’s Inglewood Prize competition, which culminated on Feb. 4th.
BET.com spoke to the artist/entrepreneur about his involvement with the Wood U initiative and what he would like young people to gain from this unique opportunity.
“The community needs the acknowledgment and recognition that there's lots of talent and great ideas at the ready,” he expressed. “When big corporations understand who their biggest contributors to their bottom line is every quarter, it shows us that they get it and it levels the playing field which is necessary.”
He shared some advice to those who would like to one day have a career like his, telling us in order to achieve his level of success, one must always be open to the experience of learning.
“Always being a student — a perpetual student — is very important,” he expressed. “You must always remain curious and always be engaged. You can’t do anything you want to do in life without those three things.”
BEAUTY LESSONS
Williams is a multifaceted artist who finds creativity in any venture he takes on and that includes his skincare line, Humanrace. His mission with the brand is to help others take better care of themselves and enhance their commitment to wellness. Now, Williams is offering an inside look into what that means starting with his dermatologist, Dr. Elena Jones, who told him skincare products will not work without routine and commitment.
“I’ve learned so much from her [Dr. Elena Jones],” he shares. “I’ve been her friend and client for over 20 years. I think what I’ve learned the most is to trust her judgment — I’ve done a lot and seen a lot and her words ring true. It really starts with routine and commitment — products are good, but they mean nothing if you have no amount of diligence and commitment in you.”
He also shared with us he will be releasing more products within the Humanrace brand which will debut by the end of March.
Just last month, it was announced the rapper will also be collaborating with Tiffany & Co.” Although he couldn’t get into too much detail, Williams confirmed they are “engaged” in conversations and it feels “nice.”
To learn more about the Wood U initiative, please visit here.
Ty Cole is a New York-based entertainment reporter and writer for BET.com who covers pop culture, music, and lifestyle. Follow his latest musings on Twitter @IamTyCole.
