Michelle Yeoh shows us why Mikimoto pearls are anything but boring

A well-tailored dark navy pantsuit is sleek indeed, but is it gala worthy? Certainly, when the wearer is clotheshorse actress Michelle Yeoh, and complementing the outfit is a giant head-turning Mikimoto bow made of hundreds of Akoya cultured pearls. 

For some years now, the esteemed Japanese house has been reinterpreting pearls. No longer just a feminine gemstone, the organic gem has been given a new lease of life — as unconventional men’s adornments, body jewels, or edgy geometric designs — by the very originator of high-quality cultured pearls.

In Mikimoto’s latest high jewellery collection named The Bows, which was unveiled at the historical Hotel d’Évreux during Paris Haute Couture Week, the brand’s dainty legacy ribbon motif demonstrates its evolution into a source of creative inspiration for its modern jewellery designers.

And what a statement it made, especially since the launch was right in Place Vendome, which is the power centre of Parisian jewellery maisons. Lest you aren’t aware, Mikimoto had the credentials and esteem to be accepted into the France-based Federation de la Haute Couture et de la mode as an haute joaillerie member since 2018.

Yeoh was accompanied by an army of Asian stars, including Mikimoto global brand ambassador and Chinese actor Song Wei Long, Japanese stars Yuta Jinguji and Dori Sakurada, and Thai thespian James Jirayu. Together, they paraded The Bows showpieces that prove that pearls can also be bold, imaginatively designed (as gender-neutral accessories), and as show-stopping as the finest precious coloured stones. 

Here are our two favourites from the show, and why we’re so in love with them.

Whether worn on the front or back, by a man or woman, this white gold necklace is sure to turn heads. Made of countless Akoya white cultured pearls interwoven with brilliant diamonds, it takes the shape of a fluffy lace ribbon bearing a fringe of pear-shaped diamonds and a “knot” flaunting a large green tourmaline surrounded by diamonds. How inventive, and yet, how originally Japanese in aesthetic – we give it full marks, because it elevated Yeoh’s suit into a red carpet-appropriate outfit.

Meanwhile, Song Wei Long played it casual-cool with a bow-shaped white gold and Akoya pearl brooch on the breast of his black striped suit. Channelling the opulence of the Art Deco period, it draws influence from an archival Mikimoto piece, and flaunts a stunning tanzanite cabochon as the central stone, accented by voluminous diamond-set loops and a fringe of blue sapphires and diamonds. Detachable from a six-strand Akoya pearl necklace in white gold, this brooch shows the beauty and versatility of transformable jewels.