Born in Tokyo, Kazuko came to the U.S. in 1968 on a Fulbright scholarship to study drama at N.Y.U. She would become part of the New York downtown art scene with an early career as a video artist and photographer.

Kazuko’s design career started with elaborate scarves that she would detail with stones, bits of antique kimonos, and ornate shells. Madonna wore one of her veils in her “Like a Virgin” video, and Kazuko’s career as a fashion designer was established.

Jewelry was a natural progression for Kazuko as she started to experiment with wire and stones. Kazuko had an enthusiasm for new age philosophy and was passionate about what she believed to be the healing powers of the stones and the materials that she worked with. Her jewelry was created with fine wire that would create swirls and webs around semiprecious stones and crystals. Some say that her designs create the illusion that the stones simply float above the neck or wrist – held by a delicate and beautiful web.

Her unique and artistic pieces were sold exclusively by Barney’s and created a loyal fan base of celebrities such as Susan Sarandon and Bianca Jagger. Even after her death in 2007, she lives on in her extraordinary jewelry.