Masako Ban

About

Masako Ban is a Tokyo-based accessory designer whose background in architecture and graphic design inspired her fascination with industrial materials. Ban taught herself how to manipulate sponge, rubber, aluminum, mesh, and acrylic to create wearable accessories that she hopes realize “an ideal of minimalism + something extra." Her seemingly otherworldly style is achieved by crafting perfectly-shaped acrylic handles and tubular beads with a laser, and using metal mesh as handbag fabric and spongy cords in place of a traditional necklace chain. This use of unconventional materials is what sets her work apart. Her brand Acrylic was established in 2003, and since then she has won a Best Design Award from Wallpaper Magazine. Her work has been featured in stores and exhibitions all over the world, including the MCA Store.