Photography provided by The Loupe
Something special is happening at The Loupe. The luxury jewelry boutique quietly came onto the scene as a concept for JB Hudson Jewelers, but since 2021 is finding its own fashion-forward footing with CEO and Creative Director Kiki McMillan leading the now privately owned specialty shop. She pairs her New York City design prowess with Fashion Director Dee Hewitt’s Los Angeles style savvy to bring their industry knowledge and passion to Minneapolis.
A few steps into Martin Patrick 3 reveals the 400-square-foot boutique, which provides a jewelry collection and shopping experience unlike anything the Midwest has ever seen. “We focus on brands and artists who are thriving on the coasts, but haven’t yet had much exposure here,” McMillan explains. Even since initial concepting, the duo knew they wanted to showcase designers with artisan appeal. “It made for the perfect partnership with Martin Patrick 3,” Hewitt adds.
The Loupe’s collection, which currently features 18 designers, is a well-rounded and thoughtful curation, but also a dynamic one — consistently offering the most contemporary designs on the market. The story behind each piece, be it the craftsmanship, the technique or the inspiration, is what sets The Loupe apart. “Storytelling is in our DNA,” Hewitt punctuates, noting the team’s editorial approach to merchandising. They go a step beyond the trends, bringing a fashion editor’s eye to fine jewelry.
For McMillan, it’s about more than clients making a purchase. “It’s about going beyond what’s beautiful and understanding the selection of that particular piece,” she says. Tastemakers and trendsetters can shop The Loupe a few ways, the latest being by private appointment. New this year is dedicated space in the Colonial Warehouse building, just above the boutique, where individual shopping experiences encourage a special connection to the collection. Whether a one-on-one styling appointment or an elegant afternoon with friends, clients can expect service as luxe as the gems themselves.
Ah yes, the gems — think multicolor emerald and sapphire, decadent opal, and audacious tourmaline for fall. McMillan and Hewitt typically are a bit quieter with color, but they say there’s no denying the deep, rich hues for autumn, made contemporary by unique shape and scale. Large rings are in vogue again, from single- to multi-stone, and layered bracelets continue to trend but with a twist, like combining bangles and cuffs for some high-contrast, ultra personalized arm candy. Plus the team is excited to welcome new hoop earrings from designer Nancy Newberg, who’s known for creatively incorporating diamonds and stones into mixed metals.
“We see jewelry as wearable art,” Hewitt shares. She points to the creations of designers like Kimberly McDonald, Irene Neuwirth and Silvia Furmanovich, who bring a bit of the unexpected to Minneapolis from New York City, Los Angeles and São Paulo, respectively. It’s a keen reminder that exceptional jewelry knows no bounds — a story The Loupe will continue to tell for years to come.
