Diamonds and Pearls Were a Girl’s Best Friend at Mikimoto’s Atelier M Soirée

Laura Kim, Kentaro Nishimura, Uma ThurmanBrendon Cook/BFA.com

‘Twas the night before New York Fashion Week, and Columbus Circle was fully aglitter thanks to Mikimoto. Above Central Park, the Japanese fine jewelry brand celebrated its assortment of unique Atelier M high jewelry pieces with an intimate soirée, hosted at Ascent Lounge.

Indeed, the brand’s collection was literally and figuratively the center of attention throughout the night. Guests including Uma Thurman, Paloma Elsesser, Laura Kim, and Tina Leung mingled while taking in a range of statement necklaces, cocktail rings, and ornate earrings, all hailing from the brand’s Les Pétales and The Bows high jewelry collections. Next to the dazzling displays, live models also posed in pieces crafted with diamonds and luminescent Akoya cultured pearls, first created by founder Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893. Naturally, the label s main collection was seen on numerous attendees—ensuring there was no shortage of sparkle in sight.

While showcasing the craftsmanship of Mikimoto’s atelier, the evening also shone a spotlight on the brand’s ties to the arts and Japanese culture. A painter created shodō calligraphy prints for guests on-site, while also painting large-scale canvases—inspired by the aforementioned Les Pétales florals—creating swirling artwork before everyone’s eyes. Midway through the event, a group of performers stepped out for a surprise interpretive dance performance, custom choreographed in a nod to the collection, entrancing everyone in the room.

In addition to the lineup of eye-catching jewels, the elegant occasion provided an escape for guests before a busy fashion week kicked off. With major moments ahead, including Rachel Scott’s debut Proenza Schouler show and Public School’s runway return, who wouldn’t want to take a pause and enjoy sparkling accessories with Champagne—or a strawberry and sake-infused cocktail—in hand? An encore dance performance, plus an array of sugar-dusted macarons and raspberry tarts, ensured the elegant evening wrapped up with a sweet note.