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.
More on Collections
The Latest
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
Weekly QuizDec 05, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
BIJC Announces 2024 ‘Rock the Jewels’ Awards WinnersAt the annual event, in its second year, the organization honored those making remarkable contributions to the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 05, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: A Blue, Blue, Blue Month Celebrate December babies with 20 pieces of jewelry featuring this month’s birthstones—turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon.
SurveysDec 04, 2024
In-Store Shopping Outpaced Online Over the Holiday Weekend, Says NRF A total of 126 million consumers shopped in stores over the five-day period, about 5 million more than last year.
Lab-GrownDec 04, 2024
GJEPC Says Indian Trade Will Use FTC-Approved Terminology for Lab-Grown DiamondsThe FTC’s Jewelry Guides require “clear and conspicuous” disclosure when advertising lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingDec 04, 2024
Designer Saul Fraiman Retires After 55 YearsThe fine jewelry designer, who came out of retirement in 2017, is putting down his sketchpad for good.
AuctionsDec 04, 2024
30-Carat Pink Diamond Fetches $2.6M at BonhamsThe Type IIa, very light pink colored diamond was the highlight of the recent Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeDec 03, 2024
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of Florida JewelerJohn Willard Craiger, 83, fatally shot jeweler Ghazi “Gus” Michel Osta following an argument in the store.
ColumnistsDec 03, 2024
Peter Smith: How a Leadership Hire Can Make or Break a CompanyIn his latest column, Smith provides a list of questions every business needs to be asking their next potential leader.
