Pharrell Williams is an icon in both the fashion and entertainment worlds, boasting hit singles like “Happy” and collaborations with prestigious fashion houses such as Moncler, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. Beyond fashion and music, the jewellery scene has also been blessed with his gift. Pioneering many iconic pieces and even collaborating with Richard Mille, Pharrell’s creativity is nothing short of genius. From the other side of the world is another brilliant mind, Japanese legend Nigo. He is most well known for being the founder of BAPE and his contributions to fashion. However, he has made big moves in the music scene, producing iconic albums such as “I Know Nigo!” and serving as DJ for the Japanese Hip Hop group, Teriyaki Boyz. And finally, the visionary that brought them together, Jacob Arabo. Arguably one of the most influential jewellers of all time, Jacob has gracefully served hip hop for years with everything he touches turning to gold (quite literally).
Three men who may have never crossed paths but with the power of jewellery and a twist of fate, they became forces of greatness. This is the story of Pharrell Williams, Jacob Arabo, and Nigo.
How They All Met
The story starts with a young Pharrell. At the time, a musician on his rise to fame had found a love for jewellery. So what did Pharrell do? Well, he went where his idols went. The likes of Slick Rick were known to shop with Jacob Arabo, who was better known as Jacob the Jeweller, a nickname given to him by rap legend Biggie Smalls. Pharrell and Jacob would form a fantastic relationship over the years where they pioneered jewellery pieces such as the iconic Nerd pendant and the first diamond G shock.
Pharrell and Jacob’s creations did not only inspire people in the US but people from all over the world, especially Nigo. Nigo would come to Jacob’s store with folders containing pictures of Pharrell’s pieces, asking Jacob to recreate them. After creating a few replicas for Nigo, Jacob insisted that the pair meet and the rest was history.
Pharrell and Nigo: The Dynamic Duo
Over the years, Nigo and Pharrell have collaborated on numerous ventures. Their first joint endeavour in fashion was the launch of Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream in 2005. They would later go on to collaborate with Louis Vuitton, creating an iconic jewellery line. Another collaboration worth mentioning is their 2014 “i am Other” collection with global retail store Uniqlo.
With both having deep roots in music, it was only right that they collaborated on music projects, including the hit album “I am Nigo!”. Their friendship blossomed into a fruitful partnership, yielding many timeless creations. They will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest creative duos in history.
Today, Pharrell is the creative director of Louis Vuitton while Nigo serves as the creative director of Kenzo and owns a brand called Human Made. Pharrell himself acknowledges that he owes much of his success to Nigo. Jacob’s selfless act of introducing these two figures blossomed a beautiful tree of creative projects. Their story is a reminder of the power of jewellery; it’s more than just a flex. Jewellery sparks conversations, creates relationships, and is a source of inspiration.