The first collection, which consists of jewelry pieces, includes a diamond necklace worth $1.89 million.
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For the first time in two years, American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean is back in the public eye not with a new album, but with his debut fashion project.
Called Homer, the independent luxury brand has been in the works for three years.
In an Instagram story, the elusive music icon dedicates the new venture to his family and shares what Homer means to him.
“Hand on my heart, this project has kept my mind moving and my imagination turning throughout it all,” he writes. “My hope is to make things that last, that are hard to destroy, [and] set it in stone.”
It makes Homer an apt name. Ocean, in a Financial Times report, points out that the Greek author is considered the father of history and “history is meant to endure.”
“I know [he] used papyrus, but I’ve always liked the idea of carving history into stone,” he adds.
First collection
True enough, Ocean’s choice of initial release is a line of Italian handcrafted jewelry using 18-karat gold, recycled sterling silver, hand-painted enamel, and American lab–grown diamonds.
Inspired by “childhood obsessions” and “heritage as a fantasy,” the collection blends pop and luxury, with some pieces featuring colorful iterations and others with bands of silver and gold.
Most items prices are under $1,000, but the Sphere Legs High Jewelry Necklace is a particular standout. It features pave-set diamonds and retails for $1.89 million.
The full collection is in a 160-page catalog, designed and shot by Ocean.
New Store
Unlike most brands who have shifted to e-commerce during the pandemic, clients can see the pieces for themselves and make a purchase through Homer’s newly-opened location in Manhattan, just above the New York Jewelers exchange.
Open to appointment visits or walk-ins, the Chinatown shop features bright ware which Pitchfork describes as a “bazaar-like shop, abutting the old-school sellers who have been there for generations.”
A Prada collab?
Indicative that Homer as a “luxury company” is not just limited to jewelry are colorful silk scarves included in the first collection, as well as two collaborative Prada bags and a waterproof jacket.
There’s no co-branding, but Ocean has worn the Italian luxury label’s clothes, has appeared front-row in some of its shows, and has also starred in campaigns for the fashion house.
Given the artist’s unpredictability, a multi-faceted collaboration—if it happens—would likely be unveiled in the same manner Homer was.
Banner Photo from @itsfranocean on IG
