Japanese Jeweller Mikimoto and the French crystal maker Lalique have created an exclusive fragrance that brings together fine craftsmanship, heritage and artistic legacy. The creative collaboration between the two maisons began several years ago, when Lalique designed the Cloud of Clovers chandelier for Mikimoto’s bridal salon in Tokyo. This artistic alliance now finds new expression through fragrance and crystal, their first joint scent celebrating beauty and the spirit of nature.
Both houses share a profound connection to their founders’ visionary spirits. Mikimoto was established in 1893 by Kokichi Mikimoto, who became the first person in the world to successfully culture a pearl, a revolutionary achievement that transformed the jewellery industry. His founding vision, “to adorn all women in the world with pearls,” continues to guide the maison’s dedication to cultivating beauty. Meanwhile, Lalique’s legacy began with René Lalique, whose innovative glasswork and jewellery designs at the turn of the 20th century established the house as a symbol of French artistry and refinement.
The sculpted clover motifs in the flacon of the Lalique-Mikimoto Fortune Leaves Crystal Edition have real dimension and layering, not just etched or sandblasted surface texture. The way the clovers wrap around, interlace, and form shadows/visual contrast is part of the artistic statement.
The crystal flacon was conceived by Marc Larminaux, Artistic and Creative Director at Lalique. Taking the shape of a radiant pearl bordered by delicate clovers, the bottle is sculpted with exceptional precision – a testament to Lalique’s mastery, with each base mouth-blown into a custom mould. The cap, covered in clovers, is crafted using the historic lost-wax technique initially explored by René Lalique in 1893, allowing for fine detail and individuality in every piece. A four-leaf clover is embedded within the flacon, revealed only when the cap is lifted.
Larminaux describes the design as “inspired by the enchanting moment of discovering a four-leaf clover – an unexpected symbol of luck and beauty.” This motif holds particular resonance, evoking both the rarity of the four-leaf clover and the precious nature of Mikimoto’s cultured pearls. The imagery of clovers nestled within a lush garden creates a visual narrative that connects French horticultural elegance with Japanese sensibilities of natural beauty.
Inspired by Lalique’s Cloud of Clovers sculpture on the sixth floor of the Mikimoto Ginza flagship in Tokyo. Fortune Leaves Crystal Edition intricate shape evokes the lucky clover, a universal symbol of fortune, intertwined with Mikimoto’s iconic pearl.
Presented in a whitened maple wood case, the flacon rests on pearlescent suede, nestled within a cloud of clovers. “The result,” adds Larminaux, “is a poetic and captivating piece that embodies the elegance and artistry at the heart of Lalique.”
The fragrance was composed by perfumer Alex Lee from Mane. It opens with the earthy green notes of angelica seed and lentisque absolute, while pink peppercorn brightens the top notes. Floral and aquatic nuances follow, suggesting a garden glistening with morning dew. Orris concrete and ambrette seed bring depth and softness, echoing the roundness and sheen of a pearl. The result is a silky, lingering trail, refined and luminous.
This limited edition of 10 pieces worldwide was imagined as a talisman and collector’s object, laying the foundation for a lasting connection that brings Mikimoto’s poetic vision into the world of scent whilst extending Lalique’s fine fragrance collection. Each piece is delivered with a certificate of authenticity, marking its place within this exclusive series.
Available at selected Lalique and Mikimoto boutiques. £21,000.
Author: Linda Hunting
If you are interested in exclusive fragrances, you may enjoy reading our Editor-in-Chief’s interview with Olivier Polge, Chanel’s in-house perfume creator.
Show Comments +