Welcome to the 96th insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we carve history into stone with Frank Ocean and Homer, a label setting the precedent for luxury jewellery.
Back in 2018, rumours began circling of a new project from the rather unspoken R&B artist, Frank Ocean. Through alleged trademark registrations, anticipation grew as fans eagerly awaited… well just about anything. It had been two years since his album ‘Blonde’ overthrew streaming platforms and aside from a few features and singles, the radio had gone silent.
After hosting a few parties in Queens, Frank Ocean disconnected from the mainstream. Rarely seen in public, the creative rented a studio in Chinatown, New York, where his cars frequently appeared outside. A project was clearly underway as a team of designers were enlisted, but the million dollar question remained unanswered.
The project, like many of Ocean's, quickly became a waiting game. That is, until August of 2021, when the musician turned designer officially announced Homer, an “independent American luxury company founded by Frank Ocean”. A retail location would open in New York City where customers could shop the exclusive collection by appointment only, a website launching later on.
Pricing ranged from the moderately affordable $435 USD ‘Plus Symbol’ pendant, to the astronomical and debatably ridiculous $1.9 million “Sphere Legs” necklace. "I didn’t want our work to be any less expensive than Cartier," Ocean said, and rightfully so. Handcrafted in Italy, the gems are grown in Ocean’s own diamond lab and are constructed from 18K gold and recycled sterling silver.
The enamel is hand painted in vibrant tones, citing inspiration from “childhood obsessions” and “heritage as a fantasy”. Released among luxury scarves and a campaign magazine, Homer was quickly seen on the likes of Kanye West, Ian Connor and Drake, who proudly unveiled the “Sphere Legs” necklace on his Instagram. While unexpected, Homer is here to stay, competing with industry jewellers one stone at a time.
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