Mikimoto

Designers at AM Partners Inc. (Honolulu) fashioned a minimal store design with clean lines and rich materials to give Mikimoto the feeling of warmth and luxury. Pearwood, frosted glass and bronzed metal are used throughout. Curved, frosted-glass panels hang from the ceiling at different heights, creating a large, circular pattern. A monumental form made of vertical glass panels breaks the horizontal space, serving as a central focus.

And gently curved forms interact with one another to create a natural, fluid setting, much like the ocean in which the store's primary product (pearls) can be found. Teardrop lights and mirrors allude to water, and display niches let the merchandise perform in front of illuminated, fiberoptic curtains that change color and mood.

Client: Mikimoto, New York City — Richard Zucker, president; William Thomas and Michael Katz Design: AM Partners Inc., Honolulu — Charles Lau, president; Robert Domingo, associate; Grant Sumile and Andrea Tomita, designers; Melvin Guieb, project manager General Contractor: Price Woods, Inc., Las Vegas Suppliers: C&G Systems, Las Vegas (audio/video); Sierra Glass & Mirror, Las Vegas (ceiling/signage); Tiffiny Decorating, Las Vegas (fabrics); MRK Specialties, Las Vegas (fixturing); Westwood Carpets, Los Angeles (carpet); Fiberstars, Fremont, Calif., and Translite Systems, San Carlos, Calif. (lighting)