Mikimoto Designs with European Influences
Apr 9, 2008
Since the start of the Mikimoto way and the brand over one hundred years ago, very little has changed. The company still uses cultured pearls (pearl produced artificially using oyster farms) and the resulting jewelry is still as beautiful and easily recognizable as a Mikimoto creation. In addition, the recipe for creating pearls has remained the same, even though the process has been altered somewhat over the years.
One element that has changed in recent years is the addition of more extravagant jewelry designs. “Japanese design is a bit more conservative, and this only appeals to the local market. In an effort to move the brand forward, we have collaborated with European designers who are very creative and inspirational,” says Toshiyuki Kumai, managing director for Mikimoto South-East Asia. On such collaboration was with Italian jewelry designer Giovanna Broggian who created the Milano Collection in 2006. Her style brought European and Italian design influences to the Mikimoto fashion. Broggian brought a new dimension and perspective to Mikimoto pearl jewelry with her Starfish, Bamboo, Love Knot, Allure, Calipso and Eden designs which featured her patented system to attach pearls to jewelry.
Whether purchasing a traditional Mikimoto pearl design or one with the European glamour, every piece of Mikimoto pearl jewelry is adorned with a dainty “M” charm dangling the clasp.