Ahhhh, Nendo, Nendo, Nendo… Is there ANYTHING you people cannot do? Seriously? Your talent it almost sickening. Except, I am completely in awe and too dazzled to feel sick right now.

Anyway, back to the story. What you are looking at here is the first major retrospective exhibition which celebrates seventy years of work of internationally-known Japanese milliner Hirata Akio. Designed by Nendo of-course.

Nendo’s aim was to make Hirata’s hats stand out by mixing them with over 4,000 mass-produced non-woven fabric hats especially created for this exhibition. The white ‘ghost hats’ represent the antithesis of Hirata’s carefully handmade hats, and bring them into sharp relief through dramatic contrast. The entire installation floats in the space like a cloud, which gently invites and guides the viewers through a non linear path, encouraging them to “wander and discover Hirata’s creations as they like, as a way of physically experiencing the creative freedom that underlies Hirata’s work.

This exhibition is held at the Srial Garden in Tokyo, and it will run until July 3rd, 2011.


[Photos by Daici Ano.]



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With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

6 Responses

  1. Linda from OEKE

    I am so repetitive with my weak attempts at humour (especially today as I am frantic at work) but .. here goes ..

    I take my hat off to you for finding such a cool exhibition (-:

    Reply
  2. Lauren

    Ha ha Linda. Nice one!
    I know what you mean Dana, I am actually starting to feel sick from too much Nendo amazingness. I die.

    Reply
  3. sal

    This is absolutely beautiful and so well thought out.

    Another amazing find Dana!

    Reply
  4. yellowtrace

    Thanks guys. And Linda – you are HILARIOUS! I’m kicking myself that I didn’t think of it myself! Very disappointing. Lame-ass jokes are my speciality :)

    Reply
  5. Oliver @ Sabi Style

    As a hat wearer this is heaven.

    I love that Nendo has the creative concept to give people a small “!” moments.

    Alas they have their dose wrong again and I am havinag a major “!!!!” moment.

    It is with such delicate creativity that they highlight Hirata Akio’s beautiful work. Each hat being allowed to shine amongst the mass produced “ghosts” – it is just so sublime!

    Reply

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