Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Against the breathtaking backdrop of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s creative director for menswear, showcased his latest brand’s ambitions in Asia last week.
Embracing the city’s maritime heritage, the runway transformed into a nautical wonderland, featuring musicians embellished in sailor hats strumming ukuleles, a sandy catwalk and digital screens projecting the waves of the ocean.
Among the models was 18-year-old Samoan, Ayden Williams from Sydney Australia. The journey into modelling began very early on for Ayden.
“My mum put me in modelling. I started when I was 7 years old”.
Since then, Ayden has featured in Disney commercials, different brand campaigns and various runways, including the Pacific Runway when he was 11 years old.
“I knew [back] then, it’s what I wanted to do when I was older” he says.
Since signing up to the model agency Kult Sydney in 2022, Ayden has travelled across Australia and to Bali for campaign shoots. This has given Ayden the exposure to relish in an even bigger opportunity like the Louis Vuitton campaign.
“LV in Hong Kong has been the best experience. Meeting Pharrell & Matthew Henson who is the stylist are the coolest guys” he says.
Louis Vuitton’s spectacle not only showcased the fusion of fashion and travel but also served as a testament to the brand’s commitment to making a mark in the vibrant Asian market, incorporating a range of Hawaiian surf communities under Pharrell’s visionary direction. A vision that Ayden’s appearance fit perfectly.
The night of the show was a spectacle to view, but to be a part of something so monumental was exhilarating for the 18-year-old.
“Rehearsals were exciting because I knew how big this was for me, especially my family back at home” he says.
“The night of the show was crazy. Backstage, make up, hair… I loved it”.
Fitted out in an all denim number, topped with a tailored black Louis Vuitton Sailors ‘Dixie cup’, the young model strutted confidently down the runway with ease.
“I wasn’t nervous, I loved every minute,” he says.
Filled with optimism and a commitment to honour his family heritage, the model looks forward to his journey and what lies ahead.
Ayden is aiming high not only to further his modelling career but to secure a prosperous lifestyle for his family.
