Ayaka Nishi

Inspired by the simple beauty found in the shapes and forms of the natural world, Ayaka Nishi endeavors to create jewelry of unparalleled beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. A unique feature of her works is that they exist simultaneously on two levels: they serve as compliments to the wearer’s wardrobe while at the same time they stand alone as singular works of art. Having grown up on the Japanese archipelago, Ms. Nishi’s work is rooted in the rich flora and fauna with which she interacted in her youth. Born and raised in Kagoshima, a medium-size metropolis in a mostly rural prefecture on Kyushuu island, she was influenced not only by the sophistication of city life but also by the bucolic countryside and pristine wilderness beyond. Thus, as a child she might spend one day admiring the fashionable denizens that paraded downtown, and another catching insects, discovering fossils, and gazing at the stars. While her one-of-a-kind style is very much a product of the environments she has inhabited, she has also received extensive formal training in the design and manufacture of jewelry. While a university student studying Art History and Esthetics in Tokyo, she also studied at the Japanese Jewelry Craft Institute. After graduating from college, she honed her artistic sensibilities by working for several years as a graphic designer. She moved to New York City eight years ago to receive advanced training in her field at the world-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.). After graduating F.I.T, she interned at 2008 CFDA aword winner Philip Crangi, and later secured a position at CFDA 2009 winner, Subversive Jewelry. She is currently focusing on her own line and establishing partnerships with some of the city's finest shops so that she can introduce her works to a larger audience. Ms. Nishi’s work has been exhibited at galleries in Europe, America and Asia. She has received effusive praise and recognition for her creations from artists and fashionistas alike.