When Tiffany & Co. announced the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection back in May, it somehow didn’t feel quite… well, Williams in essence. Don’t be mistaken—the first drop was a brilliant display of ingenuity in jewellery design. The spear-shaped links feel like a fitting update to gold chains popularised by rappers since the ’80s, and Williams conceptualising an iteration of that under a brand like Tiffany is historic. Yet, something felt amiss.
Williams is a true multi-hyphenate. He’s a Grammy-winning musician and producer, a designer, a co-founder of streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club and its sub-labels, and, of course, the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton. But beyond that, Williams is a fashion icon in his own standing with a sense of style that often precedes him. The man knows a thing or two about accessorising and is hardly seen without a necklace or two. But what has always been somewhat of a mainstay is his penchant for pearls. Whether it’s a simple string of nacre or multi-layered like a statement Chanel piece, Williams dons them nonchalantly.
The latest drop of Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams is, in comparison, more Williams than its debut with the introduction of freshwater pearls. And, let’s not forget, diamonds.
“The inspiration of the collection comes from my affinity with water; and the name of the collection, “Titan”, draws influence from Poseidon, ruler of the sea, King of Atlantis. ‘Atlantis’ is also the name of the community where I grew up in Virginia Beach,” Williams explains. “In Japan, it was believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical water creatures; so I naturally gravitated towards them as a means of expressing this connection to water.”
High-lustre freshwater pearls of over 11mm adorn every piece, imbuing both sophistication and added refinement to the collection. By the size of the pearls alone, there’s no denying that these latest designs are meant to make statements. Even at its simplest—a pendant featuring a single orb seemingly pierced through with the collection’s spear-shaped motif lined with diamonds and on an adjustable gold chain—the eyes would instantly be drawn to the jewellery.
There’s no mistaking that pearls are the centrepiece. In place of the spear-shaped links, the collection’s bracelet and necklace consist of alternating pearls with gold spike rondelles; a trio of spear-shaped links act as the clasp on each piece with the middle on set with diamonds.
“With this new design, it’s almost like a harmonious juxtaposition. They contrast each other…the spear is bold and fearless, and the pearls are soft and precious, but they fit perfectly together. They almost look as if they are protecting each other,” says Williams. You could say the same of Williams—a man of constant juxtaposition across different disciplines and personal style. And just like he said, this iteration fits perfectly.
The second drop of the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection is now available in Tiffany & Co. boutiques and online.
This article first appeared on Esquire Singapore.
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