The Secretive Genius of Frank Ocean’s Homer
Internationally acclaimed R&B musician, artist, model, and fashion savant Frank Ocean is revered as an icon in both the music and creative communities. Since the release of his critically acclaimed album Blonde, Ocean has been recognized as one of the most influential artists of his generation, and his ventures into fashion, both on and off the runway, have solidified his status as a Gen-Z style icon.
However in recent years Ocean has expanded his creative repertoire with the launch of his luxury jewellery and accessories brand, Homer. A new creative venture that represents a significant trend of musical artists delving into new mediums and blending pop culture, music, and fashion.
Homer's first retail store opened in New York City's Bowery neighbourhood, where it exclusively offers a collection of high-end jewellery and printed silk scarves. The brand emphasises exclusivity, with no online sales and global orders available only via direct communication with the store. The collection features handcrafted pieces made from 18-karat gold, recycled sterling silver, hand-painted enamel, and American lab-grown diamonds.
Ocean's choice of the name "Homer" reflects a connection to history and enduring value, akin to diamonds and gold. As he shared, “Homer is considered the father of history and history is meant to endure—the same as diamonds and gold.”
The brand has already reached widespread acclaim, due to its fun loving spirit and attention to detail, each piece forefronting a luxury experience, completely detached from the artist's musical expressions and personal brand. Ocean’s role as creative director and owner, showing a desire to move the product away from being simply artist merchandise, to something more established and traditionally luxury.
Adding to the excitement, Homer has collaborated with Prada, releasing two exclusive bags and an anorak jacket in vibrant colours. This collaboration echoes the shift in celebrity-brand partnerships viewed across the industry, as brands have begun to move beyond traditional capsule collections towards deeper creative collaborations and curations.
Prices for Homer's collection range from $395 to $1.9 million and not only showcases Ocean’s artistic versatility but also highlights the evolving landscape of celebrity collaborations in the fashion industry.
