Kendrick Lamar dons a pair of sunglasses adorned with crystal beads from the house's Spring/Summer collection (Photo: Karim Sadli)
The name Kendrick Lamar has been making waves for the longest time, and for good reason. The incomparably iconic, dynamic and even inflammatory American star has been beloved the world over as one of the greatest musicians of our era, having been the first to win a Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018. So the news that he has signed on as the newest brand ambassador for one of the most eminent luxury fashion houses, Chanel, should come as no real surprise.
Previously, Lamar had sustained a friendly relationship with the label, having worked on the January 2024 haute couture show alongside Dave Free to design the set and direct the short film that accompanied the event, titled The Button. Earlier this year, the rapper also performed at the 2025 Super Bowl, where his record-breaking diss track Not Like Us garnered widespread critical acclaim for being laced with profound social commentary and jabs at long-time rival Canadian rapper Drake, delivered through Lamar’s exceptional vocal prowess.
The Compton-born 37-year-old joins the ranks of other singers and actors affiliated with the French brand, and will also be among the faces of its eyewear campaign, shot by photographer Karim Sadli. “Chanel has a timeless legacy and that is always something I can get behind. Since they don’t make clothes for men, I knew it would have to be glasses,” commented Lamar.
“We strongly believe in eyewear and its potential. More than a simple fashion accessory, eyewear is part of the Chanel allure and is regularly seen on the runway. Its versatile style, playing with the house codes, brings a finishing touch to the silhouette,” expressed the maison’s fashion president Bruno Pavlovsky.
This article first appeared on Apr 28, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
