Words: James Wilkinson

Luxury fashion has always had a habit of peeking over the fence at skate and surf. Lately, though, the crossover feels bigger than ever.

With Pharrell Williams steering the ship at Louis Vuitton, skate shoes, oversized fits and surf-adjacent aesthetics have found themselves rubbing shoulders with five-figure handbags and Paris runways. To be fair, Pharrell's always moved comfortably between worlds. He's also a genuinely solid skateboarder, not just someone borrowing the look, and his creative output has consistently reflected genuine respect for the cultures that inspire him. But as luxury continues its love affair with streetwear, the conversation isn't going anywhere.

The question that's been bouncing around the internet is simple: is this appreciation, collaboration, or another example of luxury fashion commercially benefiting from cultures that did the hard yards long before the runway came calling?

Despite the noise, there haven't been any widely reported legal showdowns between the major fashion houses and core skate or surf brands over this latest wave of inspiration. Instead, it feels like another chapter in the ongoing merge between luxury and street culture, where the line between influence and ownership gets blurrier every season.

It's also worth remembering that Pharrell's connection to boardsports isn't just mood boards. He's poured energy into his hometown of Virginia Beach, backing an ambitious surf park project alongside broader community initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for local kids, supporting youth programs, and investing in the city's future. Whether you're into his fashion or not, that part's hard to argue with.

As for me? I've been wearing Vans since I was a nipper (see photo), and I don't reckon that'll change because someone in Paris decided skate shoes belong on a runway. These things have still got miles left in them, and there's something satisfying about squeezing every last session out of a pair before they're officially cooked.

Sure, maybe one day I'll end up in a pair of Louis Vuitton sneakers.

But I'd probably still reach for the Vans.

For the record: these aren't actually the same pair I've had since I was a kid. I'm loyal, not miraculous.

I Love my Vans, and one day I'll have a matching pair...

Pharrell's New Louis Vuitton sneaks draw similar lines to the Vans Authentic below.

Opening day at Malibu with a pumping south swell June 9th, 2006. When you're lucky enough to be in the right spot to shoot one of the most stylish surfers on the planet, Mikey February. Hit play, wind him up and watch him go.

Moore opened up a Final of CT icons against two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) with a mid-range 5.50 (out of a possible 10) on her consistently powerful forehand following a quick opener to take the lead. Moore stayed busy under priority and locked into a Punta Roca runner to showcase more of her forehand variety, with glimpses of power in sections that offered, to post a 4.83, forcing Wright to need an excellent 8.00. A critical exchange at the 19-minute mark witnessed Wright use her priority, but the wave didn’t provide the opportunity needed as Moore took off on the next wave and put on a masterclass of power and variety. Moore’s 8.33 put Wright into a combination situation, but only briefly, as the two traded on back-to-back Punta Roca walls with Wright digging into her power form and a 7.67 to catapult herself back into the heat. 

"It doesn't feel real. This sport is so hard, and I've dedicated the last 10 years of my life to getting this win. I've come close a lot of times, and it feels unreal," said Fioravanti.  "My crew is amazing. I've got the best coaches in the world. [Richard] Dog [Marsh] has been with me since I was twelve years old. Having Ramzi [Boukhiam], Connor [O'Leary], and Tyler [Wright]. My filmer Tommy has been supporting me this whole week. My wife, who's back home, always says, 'Don't win when I'm not there.' I love you. There are so many years of believing in not giving up. That Final at Pipe last year really broke my heart, but I never gave up. I tried to just keep going ahead, and keep thinking positive. And always saying my moment would come, and I just kept believing in that. Thank you to WSL and Surf City for providing this event to us, it was just insane."