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April 13, 2015
Discussing Mikimoto's New Collection: Modernity Rooted in Tradition
Talking About Mikimoto's New Collection
Modernity Born from Tradition
“It is tradition that gives birth to modernity.” No artistic design can move the human heart without the accumulated skill behind it. This is what Akiko Sekiya, designer at jewelers Mikimoto, told us in this interview.
Text by Aki NagaoPhoto by Jamandfix
The Form of a New Collection Conscious of the Times
The theme for "SPRING GRAND DISPLAY 2009 OF MIKIMOTO," unveiled this spring, is "Beautiful Memories." The collection features numerous pieces evoking the beauty of life, such as the sea, flowers, and light. Akiko Sekiya showed us unique, spring-like pieces, including a bracelet she designed herself. She mentioned that she drew nearly 100 design sketches to create this collection, a process she considers entirely natural.
“Jewelry is, first and foremost, meant to be worn. An idea comes first, and then we consider how to make it wearable. That is actually the most challenging part… But I want to create pieces that can be cherished for a lifetime, so I repeat the trial-and-error process as many times as needed.”
Sekiya states that this is an era where women can "be feminine." While she aims for organic designs and a relaxed image that reflects the flow of the times, the jewelry Mikimoto has unveiled this season is indeed airy and captivating.
Akiko Sekiya, designer at jewelers Mikimoto.
The use of stones and designs, which evoke a woman's softness and gentleness, are characteristic. She particularly focused on the lightness of openwork and the balance of delicate colored stones.
“Openwork is one of Mikimoto's artisans' specialties, but I consciously incorporate it into my designs. When worn, it casts shadows on the skin, creating beautiful nuances. I also subtly integrate traditional techniques like milgrain into modern designs… I enjoy the balance between tradition and modernity. It's most rewarding when my favorite designs align with the traditional techniques Mikimoto has preserved.”
“I suppose I’ve become quite accustomed to the Mikimoto way,” Sekiya says with a smile. She remains meticulous, adhering to Mikimoto's customs by sketching all designs by hand. “Once you get used to it, the brush is actually the easiest tool. It allows for the finest lines.”
Designed by Sekiya,
new jewelry for Spring 2009.
Ring: Pt × South Sea Pearl × Garnet × Tourmaline × Diamond
¥4,305,000
Bracelet: WG × Diamond ¥11,550,000
Necklace: WG × Akoya Pearl × Sapphire × Tourmaline × Tanzanite × Garnet × Diamond ¥8,400,000
Designs Infused with a Sense of "Gentleness," a Collaboration with the Craftsmanship That Gave Them Form
“The theme for this collection is 'Beautiful Memories,' but the underlying concept is 'gentleness.' It's a gentleness towards the Earth. Seeing dying coral during a trip, I wondered what I could do… I wanted to convey the beauty of nature and the gentleness of the Earth hidden within it, which inspired these designs.”
To bring the creator's vision to life, many people dedicated their efforts. “The initial design for this bracelet wouldn't curve properly. To achieve a shape that fits the hand, the artisans repeatedly refined it through trial and error. It was only through numerous discussions between us that it finally came to fruition.”
Left: Mikimoto possesses a wealth of historical materials, including jewelry that showcases traditional craftsmanship.
Right: Old catalogs feature designs that still feel remarkably modern.
Openwork filigree, delicate milgrain, and the precise setting of tiny pearls known as keshi-dama… Mikimoto artisans boast countless traditional techniques. Starting with Japan's unique pearl materials, Mikimoto's skills have evolved by expanding the scope of jewelry production. This continues to grow daily through collaborations with designers like Sekiya.
Perhaps it is when the designer's sense of the "present" moment merges with the long "history" cultivated by the artisans that jewelry capable of conveying "something" to the heart is born. “When I look at pearls, they seem almost alive. As pearls are organic, they are very understated compared to other gemstones. Harmonizing that modesty into jewelry through design and technical skill is incredibly fascinating,” Sekiya concluded.
MIKIMOTO Tel. 03-5550-5678