Pharrell: Carbon, Pressure & Time: Personal View of Jewelry, A

With pieces drawn from the extensive personal collection of Pharrell Williams, this is a stunning and unprecedented exploration of the “bling” in hip-hop culture and fashion. Few recording artists have had a greater hand in incorporating the culture of hip-hop into contemporary luxury than Pharrell Williams. Collaborating with Louis Vuitton nearly two decades ago, Pharrell was the first to have his designs integrated into the haute joaillerie of the great maisons. His innovative team-ups continue through to the present day, most memorably with Tiffany and Chanel, and the watchmaker Richard Mille. The most extravagant of these chains, rings, and pendants—crafted in precious metals and studded with gems—are as much a part of Pharrell’s musical performance as they are of his personal style. His designs, which include one-off pieces such as solid-gold cases for mobile phones and handheld game consoles, have been legendary for featuring iconography of Pharrell’s own brands, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Featured in the book are over 100 pieces, many of which he created in tandem with some of the most recognizable designers in the industry—such as Jacob & Co, Yoon & Verbal, and Lorraine Schwartz. With frequent collaborators such as NIGO® and Tyler the Creator, Pharrell discusses his role in the evolution of hip-hop jewelry, the processes involved in the creation of his one-of-a-kind custom pieces, and the state of connoisseurship in a growing market for the most extravagant of hip-hop collectibles.

About the Author :
Pharrell is a multiplatinum recording artist and a recipient of the CFDA’s Fashion Icon Award. NIGO® is a fashion designer and musician, the founder of *A Bathing Ape & Human Made. Tyler the Creator is a multiplatinum recording artist and designer.

Review :
"Bling, ice, drip—whatever you call it, jewelry has always been the epitome of cool luxury. As for how it became the definitive accessory of hip-hop, you can thank Pharrell Williams. The legendary multi-hyphenate made his foray into the world of jewels in 2004, when he co-created the “Millionaire” Sunglasses with Nigo and Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. In the nearly two decades since, he’s been the mastermind behind countless other opulent, outrageous pieces, including blinged-out rings, watches, and golden phone cases for Richard Mille, Tiffany Co., and more. Images of these creations and other gems from his personal collection are on display in Pharrell: Carbon, Pressure Time: A Book of Jewels, accompanied by Williams’s priceless, insightful commentary in conversation with Nigo and Tyler, the Creator." —V MAGAZINE "Before he was the creative director for men’s wear at Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams decked out hip-hop stars (including himself) with jewelry. This book may be as close as you will get to trying any of it on." —NY TIMES "For an exquisite look at Pharrell Williams’ abiding love for jewelry, this handsome artifact is the treat you need. Featuring a trove of Pharrell’s most treasured pieces—a Super Mario pendant, a Gaby Elan grill, Tiffany sunglasses—this high-glam book, like its namesake, is svelte, tasteful, and full of style." —ESQUIRE "By now, Pharrell is as well known for his music as he is for his contributions to fashion. It’s been a decade and a half since his designs were first integrated into one of Louis Vuitton’s jewelry collections, and in Pharrell: Carbon, Pressure Time: A Book of Jewels, he discusses the evolution of jewelry in hip-hop culture and his own custom design process in conversations with Tyler, the Creator, Lorraine Schwartz, Jacob Co.’s Jacob Arabo, and more. He also shares over 100 of the blingiest pieces from his personal collection, and with a Casio G-Shock watch, KAWS pendant, and astronaut-inspired cuban link chain necklace among the many diamond-covered delights, the cool factor is, as expected, off the charts." —NATURAL DIAMONDS