Eclectic artist Frank Ocean is certainly guilty of trying his hand at several business ventures. In the past, he’s crafted trainers, furniture and even produced magazines. On August 9th, Ocean opened the doors to his newest luxury jewelry storefront Homer located on 70-74 Bowery New York.
The store sells 25-stylish pieces of apparel like silk scarves and expensive jewelry pieces. The 33-year-old may not be releasing any music right now, but he’s certainly became quite the businessman.
Like any smart entrepreneur, Frank Ocean first spoke vision for Homer into reality. The 33-year-old took to Instagram to gush about his newest jewelry and fashion brand, calling it a “passion project” that’s been in the works for three years.
Three seems like a long time to spend working a project. Clearly, Frank Ocean has invested all his creative energy into creating his first jewelry and fashion line. He utilized social media to get the word out.
“Hand on my heart, this project has kept my mind moving and my imagination turning throughout it all,” he wrote in the captions.
On August 6, Ocean shared an Instagram post of Homer whilst doing his photo shoot for the Financial Times. In addition to his photo shoot, Ocean also promoted Homer through his collaboration with music video director Tyronne Lebon on campaign imagery for the launch.
Of course, there’s meaning behind every Frank Ocean song and fashion piece. During his interview with Financial Times last weekend, Ocean explained that the name Homer originated from the Greek poet of the same name.
“Homer is considered the father of history and history is meant to endure – the same as diamonds and gold – and I know Homer used papyrus, but I’ve always liked the idea of carving history into stone,” the Orange singer told Financial Times.
Clearly, the artist wants a fashion line that’ll last for years to come. Not only that, but he’s created a brand that’ll forever stay locked in people’s minds.
he lab-grown diamonds, the Hi-Crest High Jewelry Necklace, or the tongue ring with a colored sphere at each end of the rod will definitely catch a customer’s attention. Ocean’s jewelry collection offers a variety of unique items, ranging from anime-inspired pendants to diamond bracelets and gold rings.
According to a press release, many of these jewels were inspired by “childhood obsessions” and “heritage as fantasy". Making Ocean’s jewelry collection all the more alluring, his pieces are created overseas in Italy.
His 25-piece jewelry collection is in price anywhere from $995 to $1,898,000. When Ocean said in an Instagram post that “he didn’t want his collection less than Cartier", he meant it.
Though, he also created more affordable items such as his colorful, silk scarves featuring round plus-signs, which have all been priced at $230. Homer certainly matches Ocean’s eclectic energy. Pitchfork described the inside of the store as the perfect merge between “skate culture meets Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami.”
The outside of Homer isn’t as colorful or vibrant as its pricey products. Homer’s storefront caters to the minimalist mind-set, bearing a brick-and-mortar façade and the logo imprinted into metallic material. Though, every inch of the store is laced with carefully crafted detail. The visible inventory, covering one section of the back wall in petite green boxes and the aluminum display cases, were all Ocean’s idea.
However, one aspect he inevitably had no control over was the elevator music that plays throughout the shop. It’s a far cry from Homer’s website which is sound tracked by 4 Real, the first mixtape from Orlando rapper-producer 454.
Nonetheless, Frank Ocean made sure he controlled just about every aspect of the design of the store and its products. Even after offering fans a taste of the jewelry collection via Instagram, he’s received majority positive reviews.
Ocean’s famous friends certainly couldn’t help but gush over Homer’s jewelry collection. So far stars like actor Timothée Chalamet, model Adwoa Aboah, photographer Tyler Mitchell, actor Yara Shahidi and singer Rosalía have all become big fans of Ocean’s store. Just days after it’s August 9th opening, Homer is already doing well for itself. There’s no telling what Frank Ocean will have in store for fans next.
View Photos of Frank Ocean's Homer Store Below:
