Mikimoto
Since Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in creating the world's first cultured pearl in 1893, Mikimoto has been dedicated to presenting only the finest quality cultured pearls. For Mikimoto's Stormy Weather collection - a unique collaboration with renowned fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto - Method conceived of a layered, handcrafted website design that highlights the timeless beauty of the jewelry, while simultaneously capturing the innovative creative spirit of Yamamoto.
In its interactive design for the collection's website, Method employed a number of unique elements, including deliberate animation and handcrafted mixed media backdrops. Because the Stormy Weather collection is so distinctive, it was important to allow visitors of the site to discover and explore each piece of jewelry, rather than revealing everything at once. Method integrated Flash-enabled motion and animation in a measured, deliberate manner to convey the sense of wading through the site. To establish the mood of "stormy weather" and illuminate the jewelry, Method handcrafted a mixed media backdrop of watercolor, charcoal, and other materials. Each individual backdrop - one per piece of jewelry - is hand painted and one-of-a-kind, and gives an unusually organic feel to the digital environment. A integrated spotlight illuminates each piece seamlessly as the viewer moves through the site.
