Pharrell Williams to be feted with fashion honour

Singer Pharrell Williams is set to cement his style icon status with an honour from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA).

The Happy hitmaker will be presented with the organisation's Fashion Icon Award, which recognises a star whose style has impacted popular culture on an international scale, at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York in June (15).

Designer Diane von Furstenberg, who is president of the CDFA, says, "If cool was a person, it would be Pharrell, not just for his looks and sense of style but for his kindness and openness. I cannot imagine anyone not seduced by him."

Williams co-founded clothing brands Ice Cream Footwear and Billionaire Boys Club and owns a New York boutique. He has also designed a line of jewellery and glasses for luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton.

Previous recipients of the prestigious award include Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Johnny Depp, while last year's (14) honour was handed to Rihanna.