Beauty that transcends trends ─ What Az values
Jewelry that embraces your individuality
Az is a jewelry brand that develops unique, edgy designs with an exquisite balance that is subtly out of the ordinary, yet never overpowering.
"Just as you enjoy fashion, I want you to enjoy accessorizing by swapping and combining pieces," says Az designer Ms. Ashizawa. Jewelry is the final piece that completes a style. Az imbues each piece with a touch of magic that uplifts the wearer's mood, if only a little.
The genesis of the brand
The catalyst for launching Az was when she visited a jewelry artisan's workshop and wanted to carve a mold she had designed herself out of wax.
Before that, for about 10 years, she worked in sales for apparel company buyers at a showroom that handled accessory designers and brands based in New York. She often had the opportunity to escort international designers in Japan, directly experiencing their sensibilities and attitudes.
This experience eventually led to the desire to "create my own brand."
Jewelry to be cherished for a long time
Az's jewelry primarily features SV925 (sterling silver). Silver is a material that can be used for a long time with proper care.
She had long been involved in selling costume jewelry. However, plated products are inevitably subject to discoloration and changes in texture due to aging. That's why she thought, "I want to create something that can be cherished for a long time" with her own brand.
With the desire to keep prices reasonable and allow people to easily incorporate them into their daily fashion, Az's jewelry values both the "joy of wearing" and "sustainability."
Be yourself, not swayed by trends
Az's designs are underpinned by a consistent philosophy.
"Designs that are not heavily influenced by trends and can be cherished for a long time. But at the same time, designs that don't forget an element of self-expression with an edge."
The charm of Az lies in its seemingly simple designs that nevertheless conceal a mechanism to subtly uplift one's mood. The designs encompass not only the intrinsic beauty of the jewelry but also the feelings and exhilaration experienced when wearing them.
Source of Inspiration
Utilizing her experience in the apparel industry, Ms. Ashizawa views jewelry as "a part of fashion." She says she draws daily inspiration from shop research during overseas business trips and from the styles of people she encounters at music events both domestically and internationally.
The message "I want people to enjoy accessories by swapping them out just like fashion" consistently flows through Az's collection.
AZ - Silver Stacked Ring
Jewelry that lasts 50 years
"I would be happy if people could continue to wear the Az jewelry they purchased when they were young, maintaining it even when they become grandparents. And if it could be passed down to the next generation."
Ms. Ashizawa hopes that Az will become a brand beloved across generations. And while accompanying the wearer's "present," it will gently accompany them into the future.
A touch of exhilaration and individuality in your daily life——. Az jewelry is sure to gently bring out your unique self.