With the First Lots From His New Auction House, Pharrell Williams Heads Down Fashion Memory Lane

In later years, Williams went on to form the band N.E.R.D., and establish himself as not only a strong producer, but also a singer and rapper in his own right. He has recorded some of the most successful singles of the new millennium, including the groove-infused Daft Punk collaboration “Get Lucky” and the international hit “Happy.” Add to that a deep and years-long relationship with Chanel, a shoe and apparel line with Adidas, and a skin and body care line, and it’s clear that Williams has more than proven himself—hence, his sense of detachment from the diamond-encrusted gems of yesteryear.

Yet, he senses doubt in the air. “I know you’re looking at these Tiffany diamond spectacles, and you’re like, ‘Okay, how do you feel that way?’” he says, flashing a smile. “But it’s different. I’ll tell you why it’s different. At that time I was continuing to think I didn’t know how long it was going to last, so I better just keep going. Now, when I do things and I design things, it’s without that gravity of insecurity. Without that gravity of my parents in the back of my mind going, ‘You better go and get it while the getting is good!’”

Indeed, Pharrell has plans to auction off even more personal items, presumably tracking his different style eras along the way. (Here’s to hoping the public gets a chance to snag one of his iconic hats.) Still, does he find it hard to part ways with any particular pieces? Are any of them imbued with a strong, inextricable memory?

Williams shakes his head. “These are just molecules, man,” he says. “You can’t take any of it with you.”

Bidding on Joopiter’s first lots begins on Thursday, October 20.