Pharrell Williams Carries Torch at Paris 2024 Olympics

Pharrell Williams carries the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch, returning it to its Louis Vuitton Trunk ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

In a moment symbolising unity and universality, Pharrell Williams, Men’s Creative Director at Louis Vuitton and final bearer of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch, carries the Olympic Flame to the top of the Basilica of Saint-Denis in the Paris region, ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

During the final leg of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay in France, prior to the Opening Ceremony, French journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi and French actress Laëtitia Casta completed the final handover, the “Torch Kiss,” in front of the majestic doorways of the Basilica of Saint-Denis.

The relay continues with Pharrell Williams, the American-born Men’s Creative Director at Louis Vuitton, symbolising a first link between Paris and Los Angeles. Before a captivated audience, Pharrell Williams raises the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch, at the top of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, in tribute to the values ​​of excellence and universality conveyed by and practiced in sports, values about which Louis Vuitton cares deeply. Pharrell Williams then entrusts the Olympic Flame to the Keeper of the Flame, who places it in the Lantern, a crucial step to ensure that the precious fire does not go out before the Opening Ceremony.

Next, the three torchbearers exit through the arched doors of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, with the now-extinguished Olympic Torch held by Pharrell Williams, thereby marking the end of its journey. Together, they move towards the Louis Vuitton Torch Trunk, designed especially to protect, transport and present the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch. Pharrell Williams then places the torch inside its trunk. This moment represents much more than the end of the final leg of the relay: it stands as testament to a mission accomplished collectively, with honour and commitment, by some 10,000 torchbearers of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Torch Relay since the Flame arrived in Marseille on 8 May.

This final stage marks the end of the Flame’s journey to France and showcases the torch, symbol of the Olympic spirit and its values ​​of travel, excellence and creativity, as well as universality and inclusion. The closure of the Louis Vuitton Torch Trunk is a new meaningful step in the epic of the Olympic Torch relay, paving the road for the Opening Ceremony.

The Louis Vuitton Torch Trunks

The Louis Vuitton Torch Trunks, expressions of 170 years of savoir-faire in the Art of Travel, are special cases to protect and present the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torches. Designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the Olympic Torch has passed from hand to hand between more than 10,000 torchbearers, while the Paralympic Torch will pass through the hands of 1000 torchbearers. The Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay began on 8 May 2024 when it travelled from Olympia, Greece, to Marseille, while the Paralympic Flame will begin its journey in August from the village of Stoke Mandeville in the United Kingdom.

The Torch Trunks designed by Louis Vuitton have a rounded niche in the base and lid to ensure the torches are fully secured over the course of their travels. With interiors lined in matte black leather for maximum protection, they become elegant presentation cases by simply opening the front panels and turning over the niche inside the hinged lid to reveal an embossed “Paris 2024” logo. The exterior of each trunk features the signature Damier canvas created in 1888, as well as the traditional brass clasps and protective corners, echoing a number of historic Maison creations, such as the legendary hat box of 1895.

Like every piece crafted in the Asnières workshops since 1859, the Torch Trunks illustrate the Maison’s remarkable mastery of execution. These cases reflect the incomparable virtuosity and superior savoir-faire of Louis Vuitton artisans – fundamental values ​​shared by the athletes of the Paris 2024 Games, all of whom demonstrate unrivalled commitment and self-sacrifice.

Credits: © Courtesy of Louis Vuitton Italia