We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Nana Watanabe about their original and creative Earrings design work. Nana Watanabe is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original earrings works.
Nana Watanabe ("NW") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Shrimps Earrings. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
NW : The form and texture of a shrimp inspired this design. I used the transparency of organza to express its delicate structure in a poetic and wearable form.
NW : I aimed to create a form that is both light and impactful. My goal was to achieve a sculptural beauty that harmonizes with the body and brings a sense of joy when worn.
NW : I plan to create derivative pieces that apply the same structure. I also aim to present this series in international galleries and art spaces.
NW : Including all refinements and adjustments, it took about six months to complete.
NW : It was a completely self-initiated project. I started to see a kind of cuteness in shrimp—something I regularly ate—and thought it would be fun to recreate their form using organza, a material I often work with. I also wanted to explore origami-like structural techniques.
NW : Currently, the design is produced in-house in small quantities, and I plan to continue this approach for the foreseeable future.
NW : I wanted to explore the potential of jewelry as wearable art—something that transcends conventional materials like metal and gemstones. I also wanted to propose a new value system in jewelry-making.
NW : I don’t think there was a specific designer or design that influenced this piece directly.
NW : Anyone who resonates with the aesthetic—regardless of age or gender. I envision customers who value self-expression and are drawn to both art and fashion.
NW : The combination of delicate embroidery textures with a sculptural, poetic form is what makes it unique. Every aspect—from materials and structure to expression—has been pursued with originality.
NW : I chose a simple and straightforward name that clearly conveys what the piece represents.
NW : I started with hand-drawn paper patterns and then used Adobe Illustrator to adjust the forms and create the embroidery motifs.
NW : The balance between the tactile quality created by textiles and embroidery, and the sculptural dimensionality of the form. Though it is jewelry, it carries the presence of an art piece.
NW : I collaborated with a long-trusted embroidery craftsman in Japan. We went through many rounds of prototyping and communication to achieve the right nuance.
NW : By utilizing advanced embroidery machines, I was able to achieve precise and repeatable results that would be difficult with hand embroidery alone.
NW : Rather than market research, I rely more on my personal sensibility and interaction with nature. However, I did consider material research and customer feedback when it came to comfort and lightness.
NW : It was technically difficult to give shape to embroidery—a soft material—in a three-dimensional structure. A lot of trial and error went into developing a framework that could hold its shape.
NW : I wanted to see how my expression would be received on an international stage. I also hoped to build credibility for my brand and reach a broader audience.
NW : I realized that by integrating sensitive intuition with structural logic, I could elevate the overall quality of the work. I also gained confidence in standing by my unique worldview.
NW : Shrimp is a familiar ingredient for most Japanese people, and because we see it so often, we tend to overlook its beautiful, intricate form. This piece also serves as a quiet tribute to the beauty of the natural world around us.
