CollectionsApr 10, 2024
Sylvie Launches New Nature-Inspired Collection, ‘Tulira’CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ Collection
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Founder and designer Akaila Johnson found inspiration in Marie Antoinette and her time visiting the French court.
New York—Akaila Reid has launched its new collection, “Eat Cake,” inspired by Marie Antoinette’s phrase “let them eat cake.”
The offering is filled with ultra-feminine themes, fitting trendy coquette fashion.
Throughout the 20-piece collection, there are yellow gold bows, pastel-colored sapphires, and blue Tahitian pearls.
Akaila Johnson, the founder and designer of Akaila Reid, is an emerging BIPOC designer based in New York City. She launched the namesake brand in 2020.
For “Eat Cake,” her fourth collection, she created these pieces to celebrate the wealth and beauty she experienced while visiting the French court.
“I have always been drawn to the most opulent and feminine things and ways of life, so I wanted to make a collection that was just wildly me. To me, Marie Antoinette is the epitome of feminine opulence,” said Johnson.
“When I visited Versailles as a kid, I was instantly enamored with the palace and the history of the French court. I especially loved how ornate and grandiose the bedrooms were. The colors and patterns that covered every inch of the rooms was like nothing I’d ever seen, and I would very happily, then and now, like to take up residence in the palace.”
The offering is filled with ultra-feminine themes, fitting trendy coquette fashion.
Throughout the 20-piece collection, there are yellow gold bows, pastel-colored sapphires, and blue Tahitian pearls.
Akaila Johnson, the founder and designer of Akaila Reid, is an emerging BIPOC designer based in New York City. She launched the namesake brand in 2020.
For “Eat Cake,” her fourth collection, she created these pieces to celebrate the wealth and beauty she experienced while visiting the French court.
“I have always been drawn to the most opulent and feminine things and ways of life, so I wanted to make a collection that was just wildly me. To me, Marie Antoinette is the epitome of feminine opulence,” said Johnson.
“When I visited Versailles as a kid, I was instantly enamored with the palace and the history of the French court. I especially loved how ornate and grandiose the bedrooms were. The colors and patterns that covered every inch of the rooms was like nothing I’d ever seen, and I would very happily, then and now, like to take up residence in the palace.”
Akaila Reid’s 18-karat white gold “Bow Eternity” necklace with diamonds totaling 10.03 carats ($56,000).
“Triple Pearl” hoop earrings with 18-karat yellow gold and pearls ($5,600).
The one-of-a-kind “Pink Floral Pearl” ring with a pearl and sapphires totaling 6.88 carats set in 18-karat yellow gold ($7,400).
The 18-karat yellow gold “Pave Bow Drop” earrings with South Sea pearls and diamonds totaling 0.98 carats ($7,800).
Akaila Reid’s jewelry is meant to bring joy to everyday life, said the company, and “Eat Cake” does this by commemorating the beauty that comes with femininity.
“I have also made a decision to live as my most feminine authentic self, and my style has reached its most natural and final form, so I wanted to create jewelry to complement that,” said Johnson.
Johnson often finds inspiration from within when creating new pieces, similar to her previous collection “Wavy Baby,” which was developed after she spent time in healthcare settings watching heart monitors.
The “Eat Cake” collection ranges from $1,200 to $56,000.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
