When Tatler secured an exclusive interview with megastar, businessman and creative director Pharrell Williams for the March issue, we already knew the artist would be flying to Hong Kong for Art Basel. What we didn’t know was the pandemonium—or shall we say, fan-demonimum—that would ensue
In March, the superstar arrived in the city to launch A Journey Through Gems, his second sale on Joopiter, the digital-first auction house that he founded. The private sale featured high jewellery pieces Williams commissioned and created with Lorraine Schwartz, the legendary designer behind statement pieces worn by Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie and a host of other Hollywood celebrities.
On March 22 it all came to a head: in partnership with HSBC, a long-time supporter of the cultivation and preservation of the arts, the grand event finally kicked off. VIPs were invited to the Sky Lounge at The Upper House for a special edition of Tatler’s House Stories, where Williams, Schwartz and executive vice president of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Tom Moses discussed the value in investing in gemstones, the inspiration behind the private sale and how Schwartz and Williams have maintained a successful working relationship for over two decades. Behind thick glass cases heavily guarded by security laid some of the sale items, which added an extra wow-factor to the ritzy affair.
Ahead of the talk, as soon as the paparazzi flashes began to go off, everyone knew the guests of honour had arrived. Williams floated into the room dressed in a quilted black matrix-style coat, baseball hat and his signature 25-carat Tiffany and Co sunglasses. A few selfies and hugs in, the speakers made their way to their seats, and it was showtime. Moderated by Tatler Asia’s regional head of content and Tatler Hong Kong’s editor-in-chief Jacqueline Tsang, the panel dived right in to the juicy details.
