The hat brand "Kijima Takayuki," loved across generations and styles, will host "The Future of Kijima" from Saturday, September 6 to Monday, September 15, 2025, at "DAIROKKAN," a pop-up space on the first floor of Shibuya Parco. The exhibition focuses on passing down the brand's accumulated techniques and aesthetics to the next generation through HIGHLINE and answer It, which were previously only available at the Daikanyama flagship store.

Craftsmanship and savoir-faire are terms that describe the exceptional work of skilled artisans. The fashion world is filled with masterpieces created through such expert handwork. Only products that have been recognized for their value by discerning individuals with a keen eye for quality and design, and have been passed down through generations, are hailed as masterpieces and form the foundation of a brand.

However, recently, judicial investigations have revealed widespread illegal exploitation in the production sites of luxury brands touting artisanal craftsmanship, leading to growing suspicion and distrust towards these brands. It is precisely at this time that our ability to discern truly valuable products, worthy of being passed down to the next generation, is being tested. The pop-up space introduced here offers a precious opportunity that fashion connoisseurs should not miss.

To introduce the contents of the pop-up space, we present a look at the recent installation that coincided with the exhibition. First, visitors encounter a section exploring "Haute Mode," the traditional hat-making technique established in Paris. It features an introduction to Akio Hirata, Mr. Kijima's mentor and the first Japanese person to practice Haute Mode, and his mentor, the French "modiste" (hat designer and artisan) Jean Barthet. Photographs from their active years and many of the tools they used are on display.

The "High Line" section, arguably the brand's signature, showcases one-of-a-kind new pieces lavishly adorned with rare materials. The hats, with their attention to detail in component combination and stitching, were striking not only for their beauty but also for the thoughtful consideration given to wearability. The other section features "answer It," presented by Mr. Kurokawa, a designer who apprenticed under Mr. Kijima. Here, the upcycling technique of deconstructing rare vintage pieces to create new materials was demonstrated.

While passing on techniques sounds simple, Mr. Kijima explains that it involved considerable hardship. "I learned a great deal from my mentor, but it wasn't a matter of being taught step-by-step. As the saying goes, 'learn by watching,' I spent countless hours, day and night, imitating and practicing with my hands. I've been able to continue making hats for over 30 years since going independent, but production backgrounds are disappearing one after another, and the quality materials we once relied on are becoming scarce globally."

This sense of crisis is why passing on to the next generation is the core concept of this pop-up space. "High Line" encapsulates the work of a "modiste" who handles both design and manufacturing. "answer It" presents the future of hat-making through upcycling. While their approaches differ, both are underpinned by the presence of artisans who physically create the pieces, and by the techniques and sensibilities they have inherited. At this pop-up space, you are sure to find your own unique masterpiece.

To conclude this feature, we share a comment from Mr. Kijima regarding the current pop-up space.

"Hats are still a niche item among fashion accessories, but we decided to hold this event hoping to spark interest in more people. We hope you can feel a glimpse of Kijima Takayuki's past and future." (KIJIMA TAKAYUKI, HIGH LINE / Mr. Kijima)