Pharrell's Joopiter Auctions Off Valuable Items Belonging to K-pop Sensation G-Dragon
The event features numerous items belonging to G-Dragon, known for his passion for art, design, and fashion, currently up for sale. These include pieces he created and customized himself, such as a multi-colored fur coat he wore during his tours, sneakers adorned with Swarovski crystals, and portraits he painted of Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali.
Joopiter, the auction house led by Williams, is hosting the online sale and accompanying exhibition at the Daelim Museum in Seoul. The event includes a multicolor fur coat worn by G-Dragon during his performances, a pair of sneakers embellished with Swarovski crystals, and paintings G-Dragon made of Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali.
"His fans, and people who appreciate his work, now have the chance to obtain these personal items," Williams explained to CNN in Seoul. "I like the idea that he's sharing his private collection with the world."
G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, gained fame as the leader of the K-pop megagroup Big Bang. Known for his unique style, he became Chanel's first Asian male global ambassador in 2016 and launched his own fashion line, Peaceminusone.
Since starting the "digital-first" auction house in 2022, Joopiter has collaborated with several celebrities. However, parting with cherished possessions can be difficult.
"Memories and possessions hold a lot of weight, and it's not just because you possess them, but sometimes the weight of the memory possesses you," says Williams.
Often showcasing atypical auction items, such as Chinese singer Jackson Wang's fencing helmet and Williams' high school varsity jacket, Joopiter aims to challenge traditional ideas of collecting and attract younger buyers.
"In the 1990s, the traditional and institutional auction house, consumer, and spaces could be perceived as a bit stuffy," Williams said, adding that the space has evolved from being a "narrow world" to one with broader tastes.
"Now, the collector who participates in auctions is much more curious about culture and subcultures."
At the exhibition, Joopiter's global sales head Caitlin Donovan advised aspiring collectors to "collect what you love."
"Start by investing in something affordable and begin building your collection," she said. "The wrong approach is to strive to become a collector, which can lead to regret."
"Instead, focus on accumulating memories and items that bring joy to your life," she continued, referencing Joopiter's first auction, which netted over $5 million in sales. "These items were meaningful because they represented a particular moment in time, not because they were intended to be sold later."
The online auction "Nothing but a ‘G’ Thang: The Art & Archive of G-Dragon" is taking place until September 10.
"The luxurious multi-colored fur coat and Swarovski crystal-embedded sneakers up for sale in the auction are prime examples of G-Dragon's distinctive style and passion for art and fashion."
"Joopiter's collaboration with G-Dragon showcases their shared belief in making unique and style-forward items accessible to a wider audience, embodying the auction house's mission to challenge traditional collecting methods."
