Japan-based Mana Matsuzaki, design director of Matsuzaki Inc and founder of jewellery brand LATREIA, came from a family of jewellery designers but she was not satisfied with just following the footsteps of her parents. After studying at Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, she returned home and developed a career she can call her own.
In this interview, Japanese jewellery designer Mana Matsuzaki talks about her foray into jewellery design and her unique view of beauty.
What is your mission as a jewellery designer and how would you describe your unique style?
When I was a design student in New York, I visited the American Museum of Natural History and was captivated by the amazing beauty of dinosaur claws and skeletons. These have since become a great source of inspiration for me. Throughout my journey as a jewellery designer, I explored motifs that are largely nature-inspired. However I am not interested in merely copying the shapes of flowers or insects, which are already beautiful; I want to focus on Mother Nature's hidden beauty and to show its true charm with my designs. I want my jewellery pieces to imply “life on earth” in a sophisticated manner with shapes and forms that I create. My dream is to fascinate people with my jewellery as nature fascinates all mankind. I want my designs to be viewed as “souvenirs from earth.”
After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, I came back to Tokyo and launched my own collection named LATREIA in 2006, which is a Greek word that stands for love and respect. I set up my studio in Shinjuku with my parents, who are also jewellery designers, and a group of skilled craftsmen. We are a small but artistic team who is passionate about spreading love and respect for earth through jewellery pieces.
We now have an outlet within a major department store in Tokyo. For many years, we've been exhibiting at the Fine Design Pavilion of the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair. Our clients are from Japan and many parts of the world.
What is the significance of "art" and "design" in your career?
To me, art is self-expression based on a person's emotions or essence. Artists can express themselves freely using creative inspirations, but a designer needs to communicate with his or her audience. Throughout my education and work experience, I have learned that to design is to plan, map or organise, and to relate to my audience.
My legal and design backgrounds helped shaped my career. Designers are a combination of artistic talent and rational thinking. I am thankful to my parents who exposed me to an invaluable design background, which helped nurture my interest in jewellery and art. I am also grateful to a detour I took before becoming a professional jewellery designer.