Hirata

Akio (1925). Japanese milliner. His hats were sculptures that framed the head and shoulders. After studying at the Bunka College and his debut in Tokyo, he decided to further his creativity and technique in France by working for Jean Barthet for three years. In 1965 he opened his own atelier and boutique, the Salon Coco in Hiroo. His hats were all handmade. He collaborated with Japanese designers, such as Yamamoto, Comme des Garµons, and Mori, and also European designers, such as Balmain and Nina Ricci. Hirata’s hats have toured the world on the heads of Japanese first ladies.
Close to the age of 80, the Japanese master was remembered for his contribution to Parisian haute couture. To celebrate his art, periodical exhibitions such as the one held at the Palais Galliéra, in which the designer’s hats were shown next to shoes of Japanese inspiration created by the Belgian, Martin Margiela, and next to bottles of Opium perfume by Yves Saint-Laurent, which imitate the bottles of the traditional Japanese tradition.