Pharrell Williams and Sarah Andelman Bring a Fusion of Art, Fashion, and Culture to Paris Fashion Week

Riding high on his inaugural menswear collection for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week, Pharrell Williams, has another show up his sleeve, a remarkable convergence of art, fashion, and culture.

Through his visionary enterprise JOOPITER, the digital-first auction house that bears his imprint, Williams unveils a groundbreaking venture: Just Phriends. This fusion of auction and retail experiences is the fruit of an exceptional collaboration with Sarah Andelman, renowned for her pivotal role in Colette, the legendary Parisian purveyor of luxury fashion, streetwear, and accessories. Andelman now commands the consulting and curating company, Just an idea, infusing her unique perspective and experience into this exciting endeavor.

Photo by Gregory Copitet.

Just Phriends brings together over 50 exceptional lots that help redefine the boundaries of creative expression. Each offering, whether a unique artwork, a culturally-provenant object, or an exclusive collaboration, has been meticulously curated to showcase the unique vision of its creators, many of whom have joined forces with Williams throughout his storied career.

Andelman, known for her discerning eye and relentless pursuit of innovation, expressed her gratitude at being invited by Pharrell to contribute to the JOOPITER platform. The duo shares a history of artistic collaboration, and this auction presents an extraordinary opportunity for Andelman to weave a captivating new chapter within the JOOPITER narrative.

“The idea was to bring artists and designers together with one theme: Pharrell Williams. It’s an ode to creativity in general. The exhibition presents iconic existing works and lots of new pieces made especially for the show. We mix art, design, fashion, music; lots of different media from artists all over the world,” Andelman shares exclusively with Vogue Philippines. “It’s always a joy to work with Pharrell and his team because we developed a long relationship based on respect and trust in each other. There’s definitely space for a new kind of auction house like JOOPITER that will break rules and touch a new generation of collectors in a unique way.”

Among the exceptional creators whose works grace Just Phriends include Williams himself, artists Takashi Murakami, KAWS, Daniel Arsham, Futura, JR, Paola Pivi, Xavier Veilhan, and a curated selection of esteemed brands like Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Richard Mille, and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Each participant aims to push the boundaries of their respective disciplines, embracing collaboration as a catalyst for artistic evolution and cultural resonance.

FUTURA 2000 – Around the World in Eighty Days. Courtesy of Joopiter

Reflecting back Andelman shares some memorable and surprising moments while curating the auction, saying, “All artists have been very enthusiastic to work on the project, and dedicated to provide something really unique and special. I’m surprised Pedro Winter gave us his precious records. I love that Nadine Ghosn transformed her classic burger ring into a one-of-a-kind burger and fries Phriendship necklace. Of course, we didn’t expect the MSCHF microscopic bag to become so viral, but that’s always the case with MSCHF.”

Of particular note is the unveiling of “The Simple Things” (2009), a captivating collaborative art piece by the masterful Murakami and Williams. This rare gem will take center stage at the auction in Paris. More artists and works will be revealed in the coming weeks, which is looking to be a promising lineup.

Just Phriends will be an internationally accessible affair, open for global bidding on the JOOPITER.com platform from June 19 to 27, 2023. A public preview will be held at the prestigious 8 avenue Matignon in Paris, coinciding with Paris Men’s Fashion Week, from June 20 to 24. The showcase, along with a pop-up gift shop offering limited items, will offer a tantalizing glimpse into the exceptional lots, allowing enthusiasts to experience the immersive world of Just Phriends firsthand.

Photo by Gregory Copitet.