Rust, kintsugi, matcha and diamonds: George Inaki’s first New York Fashion Week presentation for Milamore was less a traditional jewelry showcase than an invitation into his world.
Staged as part of his turn as a 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, the intimate affair brought together a rusted full moon artwork by Tsuyoshi Suzuki, kintsugi pieces by artist Makomako and tea master Keiko Kitazawa, who served matcha from a Raku tea bowl. The overarching idea, Inaki said, was “mended, not broken.”
“I wanted to create a Japanese experience without being too traditional,” said the Manila-born designer, who grew up in Japan and now lives in New York. “For me, New York is about being mixed, being edgy.”
George Inaki of Milamore.
Courtesy Milamore
It’s a lived-in collision for Inaki — Manila, Japan and New York — and increasingly fertile territory for the designer, who founded Milamore in 2019. Ideas of repair, reinvention and imperfection have long coursed through his jewelry, but after a tumultuous year personally, they have taken on greater resonance.
He pointed to his Victoria ring. “It’s my divorce ring,” he said, explaining that he melted down his engagement ring and wedding band to create it. Nearby was a new kintsugi heart pendant set with natural diamonds.
“I think it’s more transformation,” he said. “Because of that, I really understood myself. And also, I feel like because of that, I really understand where I want to go.”
Milamore’s new Hassou collection.
Jayson Silva
That idea can be mechanical, too. Milamore’s Hassou collection, launched in 2025, takes its cue from chie-no-wa, a traditional Japanese interlocking puzzle. Sterling silver links accented with 18-karat gold and natural diamonds can be detached and reconnected, allowing the jewelry to change configurations. Prices range from $780 to $10,600.
Developing the mechanism took two years and required age-hardening the sterling silver. The unlikely laboratory? A pizza oven.
“I always laugh when I think about it because that’s what being a small brand is like,” Inaki said. “We don’t have million-dollar equipment, so we use everyday tools to make ambitious ideas happen.”
Those ambitions are also moving beyond jewelry. Monsieur Iñaki, his clothing project launched in North America this year with one-of-a-kind Aloha shirts made from upcycled vintage kimonos, expands for spring 2027 into a mini collection of silhouettes. Two special shirts at the presentation traded the line’s usual synthetic pearl buttons for natural Akoya pearls and diamonds.
Milamore jewelry.
Jayson Silva
Next spring, Monsieur Iñaki is slated for its official New York launch with an exclusive pop-in at Bergdorf Goodman, featuring the full collection and pieces made especially for the retailer.
“The shirt brand is my alter ego,” Inaki said. “I want to be more fun. I want to be more sexy.”
