Competition for Cartier: Frank Ocean is now in the jewellery business
The 33-year-old singer, who is also a songwriter, producer, rapper, artist and photographer, released the first collection of his brand Homer last week. It includes high-quality jewellery as well as silk scarves with colourful patterns. Frank Ocean has been working on this brand for the last three years and had a clear goal in mind: the jewellery pieces must not be cheaper than those of Cartier. So the prices of the pieces range from $395 for a silver ring to $1.9 million for a necklace weighing 127.5 carats. Quite a lot!
A collaboration with Prada was also announced. To be more precise, it is a mint green windbreaker and a light blue nylon backpack. We don't know how Homer will develop in the coming collections, but one thing is clear:
The beginning is already quite promising.
Photo: Tyrone Lebon
According to Frank Ocean, the pieces were inspired by two things: "childhood obsessions" and "heritage as a fantasy". As for how he came up with the name of the new brand, he answers as follows:
"Mainly because it's five letters and the domain was available." He continued, "But also because Homer is considered the father of history and history is meant to last - just like diamonds and gold - and I know Homer used papyrus, but I always liked the idea of engraving history in stone."
The materials used were chosen to be 18-carat gold, recycled sterling silver, hand-painted enamel and American laboratory diamonds. The unique jewellery, as well as the silk scarves, were designed in New York but made in Italy. The collection was presented in an 84-page catalogue. The product photos were taken by Frank Ocean's friend and colleague Tyrone Lebon, as well as himself. Definitely an unbeatable team - see for yourself.
The first collection will be available for purchase in-store in New York from August 9th, but an appointment is mandatory. Interested parties who are not from New York can order their desired piece by telephone via +1 (212) 410-3300.
