Hats Symbolizing the Romantic Spirit That Drives Men to Journey

I thought that men inherently possess such a quality. Then, I wondered, what kind of hat would such a traveling man wear when he's excited to "set off!" and expanded the story from there.

—Where does the image of men being driven to journey come from?

The collection's story, about embarking on a journey of exploration prompted by encountering a certain book, was itself inspired by my own encounter with a book (laughs). It's Robert Harris's "The Exiles." I actually enjoy reading novels with similar themes. Men love to talk about adventure, don't they? Reading this confirmed it for me. I was even considering "Exile" as the collection's theme. However, "Exile" also has meanings like "banishment" or "asylum," which could have negative connotations depending on how it's interpreted. So, I chose "Voyage" to convey the image of "setting off by one's own volition."

Contemporary Panama Hats with Playful Patterns

—In what ways is the season's theme reflected?

Trilbies, fedoras, pork pie hats, and bowler hats made from Panama, symbolizing the hats of adventurers, could be said to represent this season's collection. What's distinctive is the patterns. We've created a contemporary style with two-tone monochrome and checkered patterns. Also, some hats that appear to be two-toned are actually a combination of different materials, including paper.

Playfulness in Traditional Shapes like the Bowler Hat—I think it's an idea that reflects the free-spirited traveler. While expressing contrast in textures like this, it's actually more economical than making them solely from high-quality Panama or sisal (laughs). We've added playful details, like collages inspired by travel, using elements such as watch faces and buttons made from seashells.





I believe there are various situations for travel. For example, hats with elegant metallic embroidery are designed for gentlemen enjoying dinner at a luxury hotel, a different kind of journey. Then there's the Lagos pattern from the Essential Collection.—"Lagos" is the name of the former capital of Ethiopia, representing a journey into a foreign culture alone. Hats serve as props to create a sense of "departure" for any situation.

The Essential Collection Focuses on British Materials

—What is the difference between the Luxe Collection and the Essential Collection?

Both men's and women's lines are divided into the Luxe Collection and the Essential Collection, with the season's theme being more strongly expressed in the Luxe Collection. The Essential Collection is our more affordable, casual line. This line features items made from fabric, without structured forms.





—What kind of items are in the Essential Collection?

We focused on British materials like Irish linen and Liberty prints. The reason I started making hats from fabric was that unstructured fabric hats require a specific technique. Using my haute couture methods, I wanted to offer a refined silhouette and comfortable fit that mass-produced hats cannot achieve. The shapes, created with bias cutting (three-dimensional tailoring), include panelled flat caps and soft trilbies with short brims. In addition to Liberty prints in colors like blue and yellow for ethnic patterns, and brown for florals, the Essential Collection also features vibrant colors like off-white, navy, tan brown, and mustard yellow, which are not found in the Luxe Collection.

Sirens of the Silver Screen and Temptation

—What is the theme for the women's collection?

Are you familiar with the legend of the "Siren" from Greek mythology? It's a story about creatures who, with their beautiful singing voices, would lure sailors, leading to their deaths or shipwrecks. They are not mermaids, but legendary beings who are equally beautiful and fearsome. In English, they are pronounced "siren," not "serein," and we also refer to legendary actresses as "screen sirens." I expanded on this image, drawing from both meanings of "siren" to create "Sirens of the Silver Screen and Temptation."

—When you say legendary actresses, for example?

My image is of the mysterious woman played by Kim Novak in Hitchcock films, a "siren" of the silver screen. She's a captivating woman who embodies both a cool strength and a gentle femininity. Perhaps her most famous film is Hitchcock's "Vertigo" (1958)? I highly recommend watching it.




For example, we've translated the allure of metallic orchids and motifs reminiscent of glam rock, and the poisonous beauty found in Yves Saint Laurent's 1970s collections and the works of French photographer Guy Bourdin, into flowers blooming in the tropics, realized through handmade silk flowers. We aimed to express the glamorous style of a bygone era.

Promoting the Culture of Headwear!

—Are headpieces the signature item of the season?

Elegant and timeless veils and feathered headpieces are perhaps the most fitting items for the theme "Sirens of the Silver Screen and Temptation." In addition to monochrome, they come in colors like sapphire blue, fuchsia pink, and फ्लोy yellow. In Japan, the custom of wearing headpieces isn't very established. While they might seem difficult to handle visually, they are surprisingly easy to wear.

However, I understand there might be initial hesitation, so this time we're also proposing more approachable hair accessories like headbands. I intend to actively promote them, so that more people can enjoy headwear for occasions like weddings or when dressing up for a special outing (laughs).





—What are the characteristics of the Essential Collection?

In the casual Essential Collection, similar to the men's line, we focused on British materials.—We focused on Irish linen, Liberty prints, and lightweight Scottish tweed. For wide-brimmed hats, 1940s-style berets, draped cloches, and asymmetrical caps, we added accents with leather or linen flowers and buckles. They are available in variations of off-white, as well as colors like navy, tan brown, and mustard yellow.

A "Journey" of Self-Improvement