Flora Octopus Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ibhrutshi by Nana Watanabe

Flora Octopus Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ibhrutshi by Nana Watanabe is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ubucwebe Competition Category.

IbhulonziUbucwebe· 2026

Flora Octopus Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ibhrutshi

by Nana Watanabe

Client: Nana Watanabe

Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ubucwebe Category

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Colors

The Design

About Flora Octopus Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ibhrutshi

Ibhrutshi ye-Flora Octopus ihlanganisa ubucwebe besimanje nesithombe esifekethisiwe, ikhombisa isimo esilula kodwa esinevolumu esiphefumulelwe yizidalwa zasolwandle ezicatshangelwayo. Esikhundleni sezinsimbi ezijwayelekile noma amatshe, isebenzisa izintambo eziphinde zasetshenziswa kabusha ne-organza ukwakha ukuthinteka, ukugeleza, kanye nokunyakaza kwemvelo. Ukwakheka kokufeketha okunobubanzi obuthathu kubonisa ukusimama kanye nokusungula okusha, kuyilapho ukusebenzisana okugqamile kwemibala kuguqula intambo kube yindlela yokuqophela izithombe. Le bhrutshi isebenza njengomhlobiso kanye nesitatimende, igqamisa ubuciko nokwazisa ngezemvelo ebucwebeni besimanje.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award

Flora Octopus Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ibhrutshi iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Flora Octopus Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ibhrutshi ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Flora Octopus Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ibhrutshi iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Flora Octopus Brooch combines textile embroidery with sculptural jewelry design, creating a lightweight yet voluminous form that resembles an imaginary marine creature. Unlike conventional jewelry made of metal or stones, it uses threads to express texture, fluidity, and movement. Its unique fusion of embroidery and three-dimensional construction highlights sustainability and artistry, offering a distinctive alternative in contemporary jewelry.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 16 x 18 x 15 cm
Weight: approx. 10 g
Materials: recycled polyester fabric, brass fittings, nylon.
Despite its voluminous size, the brooch is extremely lightweight, ensuring comfort and making it suitable even for delicate fabrics. The design balances artistic presence with everyday practicality. The packaging is made from recyclable paper, further emphasizing the brand's commitment to sustainability.
Tags: Embroidery, Textile Jewelry, Sculptural Brooch, Sustainable Design, Recycled Materials, Organza, Tulle, Transparency, Nature Inspired, Marine Aesthetics, Innovative Craft, Ethical Jewelry
Production Technology: The brooch is created by layering recycled polyester organza with high-precision machine embroidery, then hand-assembling the pieces into a sculptural form. Instead of relying on traditional jewelry materials such as metal or gemstones, the design employs thread as a primary medium to construct a three-dimensional organic structure. This innovative approach redefines the boundaries of jewelry design, combining lightness, sustainability, and artistry in a single piece.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge was transforming soft materials such as thread and fabric into a sculptural form that could maintain its structure. Conventional methods failed to provide stability, which led to the development of an original sewing and assembly technique. Another difficulty was to ensure durability while keeping the piece lightweight, so that it could be safely worn even on delicate fabrics. This was achieved through extensive material research and close collaboration with embroidery specialists. Furthermore, by filling the interior with loosely arranged tulle instead of tightly packed wadding, the design introduces a sense of air and transparency. The inner tulle subtly shines through the outer organza in a gradient effect, capturing the translucent and poetic beauty of creatures that inhabit the sea.
Research: This research set out to challenge the historical paradigm of jewelry design, which has traditionally relied on metals and gemstones, by exploring the potential of textiles as a primary medium. Through the observation of natural forms, material experimentation, and iterative prototyping, a unique methodology was developed to sculpt fabric into three-dimensional structures. In particular, the layering of organza on the exterior with softly inserted tulle inside creates an airy volume with translucency and subtle gradients of color. This technique evokes the ethereal beauty of marine life, with its transparent and fluid qualities. The result is a piece that is not only lightweight and sustainable but also expands the boundaries of jewelry, traversing the realms of fashion, craft, and art.
Inspiration: The design was inspired by the organic beauty of marine life, particularly the graceful yet mysterious form of an octopus. By combining floral motifs with oceanic imagery, it symbolizes both fragility and strength, evoking a sense of an imaginary paradise where nature and fantasy intertwine.
Project Duration: The project began in April 2025 in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, and was completed in June 2025. It was first unveiled at a solo exhibition in Tokyo in the same month, where it was introduced as a new approach to contemporary jewelry expression.
Operation Flow: The brooch is easily attached by inserting the pin through fabric, offering a secure yet lightweight hold that does not damage even delicate garments. Once worn, it instantly transforms ordinary attire into an artful statement, embodying the organic beauty of nature. More than a decorative accessory, it offers a sensorial and expressive experience, allowing the wearer to carry a piece of sculptural poetry as part of their personal style.
Image Credits: Photographer: Sayuka Tanaka, 2025