Pharrell Williams and KAWS share a relationship that’s more than collector and artist—it’s a creative resonance that’s spanned two decades. From personal art commissions to cultural exhibitions, their connection bridges music, fashion, and contemporary art with confidence and flair. This is storytelling with taste—and substance.


The First Connection

In the late 2000s, KAWS (Brian Donnelly) caught Pharrell’s eye when Pharrell spotted his paintings at Nigo’s space. That led to a phone call—and even invited French art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin onboard—pushing KAWS toward the global gallery scene (1, 2).

Early Works and Private Commissions

By 2007, the connection had moved from conversation to creation. KAWS produced three Smurf-inspired paintings for Pharrell, alongside a four-foot Companion sculpture that became a fixture in Pharrell’s Miami apartment (3). It was more than an art purchase—it was a sign of creative alignment and trust between two artists operating at the top of their respective worlds.

Public Collaborations

In 2014, their relationship stepped into the public eye when KAWS designed the bottle for Pharrell’s “Girl” fragrance, released through Comme des Garçons (4). The project brought together Pharrell’s style instincts and KAWS’s unmistakable design language, creating a cultural object that moved between pop culture, streetwear, and contemporary art circles.

Also in 2014, Pharrell stepped up behind the curator’s desk. He guest-curated This Is Not A Toy at Toronto’s Design Exchange—an immersive, candy-color exhibition that placed designer toys straight into the museum’s main hall. It was the first major show of its kind, spotlighting artists like KAWS, Takashi Murakami, FriendsWithYou, Huck Gee, and others (7, 0)

Ongoing Support and Appearances

Even outside official projects, Pharrell has consistently amplified KAWS’s work. In 2016, during the KAWS: Where the End Starts exhibition, he was photographed holding one of KAWS’s “BFF PLUSH” figures—a candid moment that reflected the easy rapport between them (5).

The Legacy and Continuing Story

Their creative story is still unfolding. In May 2025, Pharrell’s Joopiter Marketplace offered pieces from his personal archive, including collaborations with KAWS (6). It was another reminder that their connection is more than a past chapter—it’s an ongoing dialogue shaping the space where art, music, and culture meet.