ASAP Rocky made history this month by becoming the first creative director for Ray-Ban Studios — a creative platform that celebrates the work and stories of musical artists.
“I’ve always admired Ray-Ban’s ability to stay true to its roots while constantly evolving,” he said in a press release. “I’m excited to be part of the strong heritage and develop the next chapter for an iconic brand like Ray-Ban.”
Flacko will commence his new role with the release of the Blacked Out Collection, a batch of Mega eyewear models updated with new ultra-black lenses and gold-plated details. The collection is set to arrive this April and promises to deliver classic frames “with bold and modern influences.”
“Ray-Ban transcends the eyewear industry; it’s not just a brand, it’s a lifestyle,” Ray-Ban President Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio added. “For nearly 80 years the brand has been on the faces of the most iconic musicians, artists, actors and heroes – shaping and re-shaping the status quo, leading cultural revolutions of all the times.
“Today, we are welcoming ASAP Rocky into our family; he’s a visionary artist and creator,” Del Vecchio continued. “His ability to push the boundaries of the diverse worlds he explores, aligns with the Ray-Ban DNA. We are reinforcing the brand’s values of innovation, pioneering spirit, and courage. Let the future begin!”
In addition to product design, Rocky will direct Ray-Ban brand campaigns and help redesign retail spaces with an emphasis on music and the arts.
The appointment was announced on Friday, February 20, just days after Rocky secured a major legal win. The Harlem artist — born Rakim Athelaston Mayers — is now gearing up to release his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, which he teased via X on Tuesday.
The project will serve as the follow-up to 2018’s Testing and will reportedly include contributions from Tyler, the Creator, Metro Boomin, Alchemist, and Pharrell.
Rocky spoke about Don’t Be Dumb in a 2024 interview with Complex, shedding more light on why it’s been delayed.
“There were different reasons why, mainly being leaks and clearance stuff,” he said. “But it gave me more time to be creative and put some finishing touches… I’m a perfectionist and I think sometimes that’s my own worst enemy/ I like to keep revising and editing, pushing things to the limit. I want to explore every option and every possibility. I want to assure that all of my fans will be fulfilled when they get this music.”
Read the full article here
.jpg)
