Designed By: Ben Baller
Ben Baller Says: “I connected with Drake in 2008. I met him at the Apple store in the Beverly Center. Ironically, that’s where my [IF and Co.] jewelry store is today. He was bubbling a little bit. I think Comeback Season had just come out. He wasn’t famous then, but we became friends on Myspace and he would hit me up about random shit. We would drive all around Los Angeles with the OVO boys and listen to So Far Gone. So, that was sort of the genesis.
“Fast forward to 2016-2017, Drake was spending a lot of time in London. He wanted a piece to commemorate that culture. The custom Stone Island logo came directly from the brand and was approved by the CEO. And Drake wanted the big Hermes link chain for it with the emeralds, black diamonds, and canaries. The ‘Gyalchester’ line, ‘Hermes link, ice blue mink,’ is a shout out to this chain we were doing at the time.
“So, Drake got me a first class ticket direct from LA to Manchester to deliver the chain. All of the flights ended up getting canceled, so I had to connect in New York City. The moment I land in Manchester, white glove service. We get to the Lowry. It’s like the nicest hotel in Manchester. As soon as I check in, Chubbs knocks on my door like, ‘Yo man, he wants to see you.’ I was only supposed to be in Manchester for two days. I ended up flying to fucking London and staying there for five days. It was just a crazy time.
“The chain ended up making the news in Manchester. The Stone Island CEO had me make smaller versions for him and his kids. This was certified. I can say with confidence, the overall start to finish delivery, the story behind it, the person, everything that’s tied to that, it has to be a top three chain in my career.”
Read the full article here
