Contemporary Embroidery Jewelry Brand "NANA WATANABE" Wins Global "A' Design Award" for Two Consecutive Years

NANA WATANABE, a contemporary embroidery jewelry brand, received the Bronze A’ Design Award in the Jewelry Design Category of the A’ Design Award & Competition 2025–2026 for their work “Flora Octopus Brooch”.

This marks their second consecutive award, following “Shrimps Earrings” last year. Their unique expression, utilizing fabric and thread, has been internationally recognized in the field of jewelry design, which typically centers on precious metals and gemstones.

About the Award-Winning Work

The award-winning piece, “Flora Octopus Brooch”, is a brooch inspired by the graceful movements of an octopus and the vibrant life of flowers blooming in the ocean.

It features delicate patterns created by embroidery and a three-dimensionally expanding form. While being a piece of jewelry, it possesses a presence akin to a small sculpture or art object.

NANA WATANABE’s works bring playfulness and artistry to the wearer’s attire through the lightness, vibrant colors, and free forms afforded by fabric and thread, rather than the heaviness of metal or gems.

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Designer’s Comment

I am extremely delighted to have received the A’ Design Award for the second consecutive year.

While traditional jewelry often focuses on expressions using precious metals and gemstones, I explore the possibilities of freer, lighter, and more imaginative jewelry through the material and technique of embroidery.

“Flora Octopus Brooch” is a piece that expresses the mysterious vitality and somewhat fantastical beauty of marine life. I actually wore this brooch when I attended last year’s award ceremony. To have this same work re-evaluated this year brings me special joy.

I intend to continue presenting jewelry that exists between art and fashion, aiming to liberate the wearer’s sensibilities somewhat.

In 2025, in conjunction with the award for the previous work “Shrimps Earrings”, I attended the A’ Design Award Gala Night held in Como, Italy.

It was there that I wore the “Flora Octopus Brooch,” which has now received this award. It garnered significant attention even at the international award ceremony, becoming one of the brand's symbolic works.

A’ Design Award Ceremony in 2025

At the A’ Design Award Gala Night in 2025. The brooch being worn is the Flora Octopus Brooch, which received this award.

About the Brand

NANA WATANABE is an embroidery jewelry brand based in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, drawing inspiration from nature and imaginary creatures.

They create works that traverse the boundaries of jewelry, objects, and fashion using fabric and thread. Characterized by light wearability, sculptural forms, and vivid colors, their pieces are continuously presented through exhibitions and events both domestically and internationally.

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<Upcoming Events>

NANA WATANABE’s works, including the award-winning pieces, are scheduled to be exhibited at the following events and stores:

Hankyu Umeda Main Store “Wearable Art & Object LIMITED SHOP - Bold Jewelry Expressions” Date: June 3 (Wed) – June 9 (Tue), 2026 Venue: Hankyu Umeda Main Store 1F Promotion Space 11 *Osaka Art & Design 2026 related event

BARNEYS NEW YORK YOKOHAMA Date: June 5 (Fri) – June 28 (Sun), 2026 Venue: BARNEYS NEW YORK Yokohama Store

POLA Museum of Art Museum Shop Selected works are currently available at the POLA Museum of Art Museum Shop.

NANA WATANABE A contemporary embroidery jewelry brand. Inspired by nature and imaginary creatures, they create light and sculptural jewelry using fabric and thread. As accessories that exist between art and fashion, their works are continually presented both in Japan and abroad.

Official Website: https://nanawatanabe.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com