Interview with Nana Watanabe

Nana Watanabe ("NW") interviewed on Friday, 30 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

NW : fter working as a designer on the ISSEY MIYAKE collection team, I launched my own brand, NANA WATANABE. I currently work both as a designer and artist, creating textile-based jewelry pieces. My works have been exhibited in New York at the MAD Museum, as well as in London and Milan. I actively participate in international exhibitions and pop-up events.

How did you become a designer?

NW : I have always loved creating things by hand since I was a child. I would gather materials from nature to make small gifts and crafts, and I still remember the joy I felt when those pieces brought a smile to someone’s face. That experience deeply connected creation with happiness in my mind. After studying art and design, I started my career in fashion design, which eventually led me to jewelry as a form of wearable art. It all feels like a natural extension of that early joy.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

NW : What matters most to me is expressing a unique perspective that only I can see, and creating things I genuinely desire myself. I don’t follow trends or established frameworks but instead try to stay true to what I feel in the moment. Structurally, I apply knowledge from pattern-making that I developed in fashion, aiming to create sculptural, body-hugging forms. I don’t usually sketch—instead, I start by physically working with paper or fabric to develop prototypes, then refine the embroidery details to bring balance and completion to the design.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

NW : There’s a special kind of exhilaration that comes when an initial idea begins to take shape. As I work, I often imagine who the piece will reach and how they’ll feel when wearing it—and that thought alone brings a smile to my face. For me, design is both a form of self-healing and a bridge to connect with others.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

NW : My greatest inspiration comes from being in dialogue with nature and from the spiritual qualities of Japanese culture. Growing up surrounded by the sea and mountains in Japan shaped my sensitivity to color and form. The sound of the wind, flickering light, and the quiet presence of small lifeforms all live in my creations. The Japanese aesthetics of "ma" (negative space), restraint, and harmony with nature are at the core of my design philosophy. Beyond design, I rely heavily on observation and intuition, which help me stay authentic while exploring new forms of expression.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

NW : What is your dream design project? I would like to expand beyond jewelry to explore more immersive forms of expression. I'm currently interested in creating embroidered art installations and functional yet poetic bags that combine artistry and utility. I hope to present my work in more countries and draw inspiration from new landscapes, cultures, and people. Traveling is an essential part of sowing creative seeds for me. Breathing in the air of different regions and reconstructing it through design is how I grow—as an artist and as a brand.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

NW : Trust your intuition and keep working with your hands—that’s what I still live by. Don’t be afraid to fail. Try many possibilities. The expressions that only you can create don’t come from thinking alone; they emerge through repeated prototyping and exploration. Even when you feel lost, keep moving. Progress lies in action.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

NW : Dig deep into what only you can create, and find meaning in offering that to others. I believe in the ripple effect of joy—when a piece touches someone’s heart, that joy spreads to others. Design has the power to light up small corners of the world. As professionals, we must turn our beliefs into form and communicate them through our work.

What is your day to day look like?

NW : I wake up at 4 a.m. every day. Before breakfast, I spend time stretching, meditating, and studying. In the morning, I handle emails and shipping tasks. When I have time, I also experiment with colors or small design trials. The afternoon is for more routine tasks and meetings. After that, I prioritize spending time with my 4-year-old son. A well-balanced, mindful routine helps me stay creative and centered.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

NW : To what extent do design trends matter? Rather than chasing surface-level design trends, I pay close attention to shifts in social atmosphere and people’s emotions. I make a conscious effort to understand the broader cultural and ideological movements happening around the world rather than relying on design magazines or trend-based social media. In doing so, I find a deeper relevance and uniqueness in my own work. I believe it’s more valuable to express the “now” in my own voice than to follow what’s currently popular.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

NW : How do you define good design? Good design, to me, is something that stays in your mind for no apparent reason. It’s not just about function or visual appeal—it’s about a strong, clear idea that is beautifully resolved. When a piece moves your heart at first glance and brings a story to life upon touch, that’s when I know it’s good design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

NW : I know a design is ready when I feel there’s nothing more to take away. Through a subtractive process, I aim to leave only the essence. To be honest, I always carry a sense of "it could be better," but that feeling is what drives me to the next creation.

What is your biggest design work?

NW : One of my most iconic works is the "SHRIMP" earrings, which won the A' Design Award. In this piece, I focused on maximizing the qualities of the materials. The design integrates origami-like structure inspired by Japanese aesthetics with the fabric-handling finesse I developed in fashion. It combines lightness with sculptural strength and has become one of my most beloved wearable sculptures.

Who is your favourite designer?

NW : I’m not sure he would be classified as a designer, but I was deeply inspired by German zoologist Ernst Haeckel. His illustrations of natural forms taught me about the mystery and harmony of life. In fashion, I’ve been profoundly influenced by the color sensibility of Dries Van Noten—his work feels like poetry made of fabric.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

NW : I grew up in a coastal town in Kanagawa, Japan, where I was constantly surrounded by nature. This proximity to the natural world shaped my worldview and continues to influence the structure and color of my work. I’m also deeply moved by the concepts of "ma" (negative space) and quietness in Japanese culture. Music is an important creative companion for me—I often work while listening to classical or ambient sounds.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

NW : I primarily run my brand alone, though in recent years I’ve begun collaborating with trusted assistants and project partners. I value sincerity and open dialogue above all and choose collaborators based on whether we can dream and build something meaningful together.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

NW : I aim to practice ethical jewelry design by choosing low-impact materials and incorporating recycled polyester in my pieces. At the same time, I believe that simply making something that brings a smile to someone's face is one of the most sincere forms of contribution. If my work can lighten hearts and create small ripples of joy, then I believe it is helping to shape a more peaceful world.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

NW : Participating in the A' Design Award has been a major turning point for me. The exposure of my winning work on an international platform allowed more people to discover my brand and see my work from new perspectives. What struck me most was how the process of verbalizing the background and intention behind my design helped clarify my brand's worldview. It was not only a way to communicate outwardly, but also a valuable opportunity to reflect on why I create and what I want to deliver. Though major changes and reactions may still be ahead, the award has already given me strong confidence and encouragement for my next steps.

Nana Watanabe Profile