Olaolu Slawn has always defied artistic conventions, choosing not to restrict his creations to traditional settings. This British-Nigerian artist seamlessly transitions between various mediums, including canvases, fashion, streetwear, and cultural collaborations, crafting a visual language that is intentionally bold, playful, and attention-grabbing. His latest venture, “The Slawn x Rolex Multiverse,” embodies this approach—featuring a unique collection of 12 customized Rolex watches, each designed in collaboration with notable figures from global culture.
This project represents a notable shift in Slawn’s engagement with luxury timepieces. Instead of a limited series centered on a singular artwork, he has crafted a diverse universe of bespoke pieces. Each watch is a collaboration with a different cultural icon, including football stars Ronaldinho and Mario Balotelli, as well as rappers Gunna and Lil Yachty. Artists, designers, nightlife personalities, and streetwear influencers are also part of the mix. Set to launch on August 18, 2026, the project website will herald the release of each of the 12 watches throughout the month.
Inside “The Slawn x Rolex Multiverse”
Central to this initiative is Slawn’s philosophy of transforming objects with rich cultural significance into personal expressions.
Rolex watches have long been emblematic of luxury, symbolizing success, wealth, style, or significant personal milestones. However, Slawn views these timepieces not as conventional collector’s items but as canvases for artistic expression. His previous work with customized Rolex watches showcased how dramatically a watch’s dial could be reimagined through an artist’s vision.
With this collection, Slawn advances that idea by giving each collaborator a unique visual presence. Among those confirmed are Ronaldinho and Mario Balotelli from the world of football, rappers Gunna and Lil Yachty, and Clint419, the founder of Corteiz. Other collaborators include Japanese graphic designer VERDY, photographer and visual artist Gabriel Moses, artist Cedric Christie, nightlife entrepreneur David Grutman, and the Nigerian skate collective Motherlan.
Two collaborators remain unnamed, adding an element of mystery to the collection.
This diversity is crucial, as Slawn’s collection seeks to transcend cultural boundaries. It traverses sports, music, fashion, art, and nightlife, mirroring the increasingly interconnected nature of these fields.
This endeavor mirrors Slawn’s own career trajectory.
Known for his ability to move fluidly between different creative realms, Slawn’s work spans galleries, fashion, and cultural initiatives. His partnerships have included notable figures like Lil Yachty and Skepta. His growing influence in contemporary art is further solidified by exhibitions at Saatchi Yates, which represents him. Thus, it’s fitting that his Rolex project challenges the conventions of typical watch collaborations.
Shop similar products
Why Slawn’s Rolex obsession matters
Slawn’s passion for watches isn’t a recent marketing ploy. He has been vocal about his fascination with them, describing them as personal milestones and amassing a collection from prestigious brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Cartier. British GQ previously highlighted his diverse collection, which includes Rolex Datejusts, Patek Philippe models, and G-Shocks.
In 2024, this personal connection was evident when Slawn collaborated on a limited edition of customized Rolex Datejust 41 watches. He transformed the traditional Datejust into a vibrant canvas for his art, with each watch showcasing his distinctive style and unique touches on the boxes and casebacks. British GQ reported that the project began with discussions between Slawn and watch experts about transferring his art onto a Rolex dial.
The watches sold out swiftly, with some reports indicating they were gone within four to four-and-a-half minutes, underscoring the demand for Slawn’s art in the luxury watch market.
This previous success sets the stage for the Multiverse. Slawn is not merely endorsing another luxury item; he has already proven there is a market eager to see his customized watches as collectible art pieces.
What’s different this time is the scale and collaborative aspect. Instead of connecting with a single artwork, the Multiverse invites buyers to explore 12 unique creative expressions. Each watch represents a fusion of Slawn’s vision with another cultural icon.
A Rolex collection built around culture
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of “The Slawn x Rolex Multiverse” is its diverse lineup.
Gunna and Lil Yachty infuse the collection with contemporary hip-hop vibes. Ronaldinho and Mario Balotelli bring football prestige. VERDY links the project to Japanese graphic design and street culture, while Gabriel Moses contributes his expertise in photography and modern imagery.
Clint419 adds another vital element. As the founder of Corteiz, he is part of a wave of British streetwear innovators who have turned independent brands into global cultural forces.
Motherlan, on the other hand, introduces a distinctly Nigerian influence. This blend makes the watches more than just luxury items—they become cultural artifacts. Each collaborator brings their own audience, style, and background, collectively forming the “multiverse” Slawn envisions.
This approach also reflects the evolving nature of luxury. For years, the luxury watch industry has emphasized craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. While these attributes remain important, today’s collectors are increasingly drawn to the cultural narrative behind what they wear. A watch’s value can be attributed to its craftsmanship and history, but its emotional significance often stems from its designer, previous owner, or the community it embodies.
Slawn grasps this concept intuitively. His work consistently bridges art and popular culture. Even his past Rolex project showed that a luxury item could gain new interest when infused with a contemporary, less formal personality.
His latest endeavor elevates this philosophy to a grander scale.
Featured image: @olaoluslawn/Instagram
