Nana Watanabe is an award-winning jewelry artist and designer based in Japan. With a background in fashion design and a career that began at ISSEY MIYAKE, she later established her own embroidery jewelry brand, NANA WATANABE, formerly known as ARRO. Her work explores the intersection of nature, art, and fashion, often inspired by imaginary landscapes and living creatures.

Her pieces are not just accessories but small sculptures that reflect a rich artistic narrative. Utilizing recycled materials such as polyester, she creates highly original, lightweight designs that challenge the norms of traditional jewelry making. Though machine-embroidered, her work carries a strong artistic presence, emphasizing concept over craft for craft’s sake.

Watanabe's jewelry has been featured in exhibitions in New York, Milan, Tokyo, and Munich, including events at the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC and A’ Design Award & Competition, where her “Shrimps Earrings” received a Bronze Award in 2025.

As an artist, she values sustainability, diversity, and individuality, aiming to create pieces that resonate beyond gender and category. Her work has attracted attention from international curators, stylists, and concept stores seeking unique, wearable art.

Nana continues to push boundaries by integrating art and ethics into contemporary jewelry, hoping to expand her global presence through exhibitions, collaborations, and cross-border e-commerce.

Shrimps Earrings by Nana Watanabe A paper pattern is created, and the design is programmed into a computer for embroidery. After embroidering on organza fabric, it is heat cut and folded like origami to form a three dimensional shape. The piece is lightweight yet maintains a sturdy structure, ensuring it retains its shape during storage and wear. The careful selection of materials and expert craftsmanship recreate the natural texture and movement of a shrimp, with particular attention to details such as the eggs in the abdomen. The use of gradient dyed rayon thread captures the enchanting beauty of marine life.

Flora Octopus Brooch by Nana Watanabe The Flora Octopus Brooch fuses contemporary jewelry with embroidered sculpture, presenting a lightweight yet voluminous form inspired by imagined marine life. Instead of conventional metals or stones, it employs recycled threads and organza to create texture, fluidity, and organic movement. The three-dimensional embroidery construction reflects sustainability and innovation, while the vivid interplay of colors transforms thread into a sculptural medium. This brooch serves as both ornament and statement, highlighting artistry and ecological awareness in contemporary jewelry.

Nana Watanabe

1-9-10, Tsujido-taiheidai

Kanagawa

251-0044

P: +818044239749

Nana Watanabe is IAD member since 2025, with 4067 IAD rating.