When it comes to renowned pearl brands, you might first think of the two giants in the Japanese pearl industry — Mikimoto and Tasaki!
Among them, the Japanese iconic jewelry brand Mikimoto, known as the “King of Pearls,” is not only one of the world’s top ten jewelry brands but is also regarded as synonymous with exquisite pearls.
Since Kokichi Mikimoto, the father of Japanese pearls, cultivated the first perfect pearl in 1893 and subsequently founded Mikimoto, the brand has been primarily using cultured pearls as its main material for over 130 years. Adhering to the concept of “adorning all women of the world with pearls,” Mikimoto has launched a series of exquisite and stunning works.
Particularly noteworthy is the recently unveiled high jewelry collection “The Bows,” which was grandly launched at the Hôtel d’Évreux in Place Vendôme, Paris. This collection draws inspiration from the “ribbon,” a classic design element inherited by the brand for a century, presenting a series of dreamlike high jewelry masterpieces with a sense of fluidity.
Exquisite craftsmanship, the brand’s distinctive aesthetic style, ribbon designs created by weaving pearls, and the interplay of colorful gemstones and diamonds — Mikimoto has given a modern elevation and interpretation to the classic “ribbon” theme through its ingenious design. This allows people to experience the elegant splendor of high jewelry within a small space.
Butterfly Bow Necklace
Epitome of “Boss Lady” Style
Among the many pieces in “The Bows” high jewelry collection, the showstopper is undoubtedly the debut piece worn by Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh — the butterfly bow necklace.
The main body of the necklace is woven from pearls and diamonds. Each pearl is round, full, and lustrous, while small carat diamonds are sprinkled throughout. The pearls and diamonds complement each other, presenting a delicate and soft lace-like texture.
At the bottom of the necklace, tassels made of round and pear-shaped diamonds sway gracefully with the wearer’s movements, creating a light and lively shape.
In the center of the necklace, an oversized butterfly bow, also interwoven with pearls and diamonds, becomes the eye-catching focus of this haute couture jewelry piece.
Pearls of varying sizes create a rich sense of layering. The perfect drape transforms the girlish butterfly bow element, reducing its sweetness and adding a touch of elegance.
Particularly noteworthy is the mint-green tourmaline adorning the center, its fresh and bright color adding a touch of liveliness and purity to the overall design.
The compatibility between Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh and this butterfly bow necklace is remarkably high.
Wearing a crisp, sleek black suit with this elegant and luxurious butterfly bow necklace adorning her neck, she exudes a confident and powerful “boss lady” aura that stuns everyone!
Woven Pearl and Diamond Necklace
Instantly Transforming into a Refined Lady
Using the same pearl weaving technique, this woven pearl and diamond necklace presents a more delicate, soft, and feminine appearance compared to the strong presence of the previous butterfly bow necklace.
Brilliant diamonds outline the main body of the necklace, with Akoya pearls cleverly woven in between, creating a delicate beauty. The unique openwork design adds a touch of lightness and vivacity to the overall look.
At the center of the necklace, a ribbon bow is set, with the soft elegance of the ribbon effortlessly outlined by diamonds, making it quite eye-catching.
The matching pearl and diamond earrings are even more exquisite and romantic, adding extra brilliance to the overall ensemble.
Bow Ribbon Necklace and Earring Set
Exquisite and Magnificent Rococo Style
In the article “300 Years of Timeless Classic, The Most Girlish Luxury Art: Understanding Rococo Style in One Minute,” I introduced an art style known for its sweetness: the Rococo style.
This style first appeared in France in the late 17th century and gradually became popular in the 18th century under the strong advocacy of King Louis XV of France.
At that time, France was in a period of exploring the New World. With the booming international trade, France became the most developed country in Europe after England.
Due to the increase in wealth, people began to pursue pleasure and luxury in their lives. Some nobles, to showcase their status, started building various luxurious buildings throughout France.
Perhaps due to aesthetic fatigue with the seriousness and rationality of classicism and the extravagance and complexity of Baroque, these buildings changed their decorative style. They began to use a lot of girlish colors like pink and light green, and the design shifted towards the delicate, beautiful, sweet, and light Rococo style.
Later, this style was no longer limited to the decorative field but began to spread to many areas including painting, furniture, clothing, and jewelry.
Among them, Rococo-style clothing embodies extravagance, complexity, delicacy, and softness. The exaggerated shapes, bright color combinations, and girlish decorations like lace, ribbons, and bows make Rococo-style clothing stand out in the long history of fashion trends.
The bow ribbon necklace from Mikimoto’s haute couture jewelry series “The Bows” draws its design inspiration from the magnificent dresses of the Rococo style.
The bow ribbon, crafted with small carat diamonds, appears ethereal and flowing. It intertwines with various colorful gemstones of different sizes, including blue sapphires, tourmalines, and spinels, creating an interesting interplay. The unique openwork design makes it look both elegant and full of vitality.
At the center of the necklace, 14 full and round pearls are set. Their soft and captivating glow not only has a strong presence but also creates a rich layered visual effect, perfectly showcasing the gentle and reserved qualities of femininity.
The matching earrings are designed in line with the necklace. The diamond-encrusted bow ribbons are delicate and small, with a lively and natural appearance that seems ready to dance in the wind at any moment. The design is unique and ingenious, full of thoughtful details.
Bow Ribbon Pearl Necklace
Fragrance Derived from Haute Couture
In the ever-changing world of fashion trends, jewelry and clothing have long been complementary and indispensable to each other.
In recent years, more and more jewelry brands like Dior and Boucheron have started to draw inspiration from haute couture, cleverly incorporating jewelry made of various colored gemstones into high-end fashion, presenting a unique artistic and fashionable appeal.
In Mikimoto’s newly released haute couture jewelry series “The Bows,” a bow ribbon pearl necklace achieves 100% compatibility with clothing, captivating viewers at first sight.
The diamond-encrusted bow ribbons are cleverly adorned on both sides of the neck. Eight strands of pearl and diamond-encrusted necklaces decorate the front of the neck, with a perfect drape presenting a rich sense of layering, exuding elegance amidst splendor.
On both sides of the shoulders, five freely hanging pearl chains are adorned, with diamonds sprinkled among them. The naturally beautiful curves outline the wearer’s graceful figure, reminiscent of a noble and elegant aristocratic young lady.
To perfectly blend this jewelry with clothing, Mikimoto collaborated with fashion brand YUIMA NAKAZATO to create a custom haute couture dress for this necklace, showcasing the charm and heritage of this bow ribbon pearl necklace in a more profound and rich manner.
Tanzanite Pearl Necklace
Inspired by MIKIMOTO’s Rich Historical Jewelry Archives
MIKIMOTO has a history of over 130 years since its inception in 1893.
Throughout this long historical journey, MIKIMOTO’s designers have created a series of innovative pieces with dynamic, modern shapes and high recognition by uniquely interpreting different types of pearls such as Baroque and Akoya pearls. They have combined advanced Western processing techniques with unique Eastern aesthetics.
This tanzanite pearl necklace from the haute couture jewelry series “The Bows” is a tribute to this great journey.
The main body of the necklace is composed of six strands of pearl chains, interspersed with diamonds and colored gemstones, showcasing classic elegance to the fullest while exuding a powerful presence.
The tanzanite and diamond ribbon bow adorning the center of the necklace can be detached and worn separately as a brooch.
The bow’s lines are three-dimensional and full, with an oval tanzanite as its centerpiece. The lively flow of the diamond ribbon contrasts with the deep luster of the tanzanite, creating a unique spark that exudes elegance and composure.
After viewing MIKIMOTO’s 2024 haute couture jewelry collection “The Bows,” which piece makes your heart race?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
Mikimoto vs Tasaki: The Pearl Titans Redefining Luxury for Summer 2024
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