Haute couture hats – ”haute mode”When foreign travel was still restricted, Akio Hirata traveled to France all on his own to apprentice under Jean Barthet, and later brought back his techniques to Japan. ”Haute mode” is haute couture for hats. The hats are customized: measured, designed and material selected to create a one and only hat. |
The importance of handmadeWe visited the studio of world renowned designer, Akio Hirata. His daughter, Ouko Ishida, also a hat designer herself, gave us a tour of the studio. The studio had many molds. Molds for all of the clients are stored here, and the material and design is selected, and the hats shaped once an order is placed. Of course, the corsages are also handmade. Care is given to the smallest of details, something not possible in off the shelf products. |
Hats should be worn, not displayedHirata joined us as Ouko was telling us about the studio. His prestigious titles seem intimidating, but he was extremely soft spoken. |
ACCESS
- Hirata Haute Mode Hirata
- 4-8-1 Nishi Azabu Minato-ku Tokyo
- URL http://www.hiratatelier.com/