He’s back folks…but not with new music.
Instead, Frank Ocean is offering something a little different for fans — a new, luxury jewelry line.
Photo by Tyrone Lebon
The line, dubbed Homer, is a special collection made from 18k gold, recycled silver, hand-painted enamel, and American lab-grown diamonds. It will also include printed silk scarves.
“Homer is considered the father of history and history is meant to endure — the same as diamonds and gold,” the “Blonde” singer told FT. “And I know Homer used papyrus, but I’ve always liked the idea of carving history into stone.”
The musician, whose real name is Christopher “Lonny” Breaux, grew up in poverty in New Orleans, a fact that has shaped his outlook on his new business.
“It’s never lost on me that my surname is a by-product of slavery in the US,” he said, referring to the surname Breaux, a common one in an area that saw many slaves brought over from France.
“I don’t have access to my real name. I can’t trace my heritage back that far, which is why I am interested in creating things that are mine, stay mine and belong to my family. Things that I can pass on.”
Photo by Tyrone Lebon
This unique collection features bright and funky colored enamels that channel a ‘90s-esque, playful look. The prices range from entry-level ($395 for a silver ring) to luxurious ($1.9 million for an 18k white gold necklace with lab-grown diamonds), a facet of the business that Ocean intended.
“I didn’t want our work to be any less expensive than Cartier,” he said.
Homer will be available starting August 9 at 70-74 Bowery, the home of New York Jewelers Exchange. Those looking to make a visit to the shop will have to book an appointment.
While fans may be eager for this new project by Frank Ocean, no one can be as excited as Ocean himself, who is grateful for the opportunity to express himself as a black entrepreneur.
“There are possibilities for black people now that weren’t always there for us,” he detailed. “I’m very fortunate to be someone who can make someone else feel like they have possibilities, and I think that will make art and fashion richer for it.”
