Tomihiro Kono stands out as the fashion industry’s premier hair artist. His work is ubiquitous, gracing the pages of magazines, album covers, and various pop culture mediums. Kono possesses the unique talent of transforming a wig into a piece of art that enhances outfits, moments, and characters alike. His latest venture, a book titled Fancy Creatures, showcases a curated selection of his creations, elevating hair to the realm of fine art—a genre he has pioneered.
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Exclusively using real human hair, Kono’s final products often defy their original material’s appearance. Drawing inspiration from the planet’s most extraordinary creatures, his wigs are as visually striking on a person as they are on a beachside rock. Renowned for his collaborations with Björk, Kono’s creations perfectly complement her avant-garde style and boundary-pushing music.
Since our last conversation with Tomihiro Kono, he has published several books and further advanced his craft. Fancy Creatures pushes human expression to its limits, presenting a new level of hybrids inspired by diverse Earth organisms, from deep-sea creatures to furry moss and endangered moths. This collection of new works merges the fantastic, the otherworldly, and the imagined in a dazzling display.
Kono’s work has found a place in both museum collections and on the runway. At its core, his wigs bring a fine art perspective to a genre often dismissed as mere accessories. When Kono’s pieces appear, they frequently steal the show. Rather than just covering hair, his wigs often function as masks. In our interview, Kono shared his hope that his work allows individuals to express their identity and lets others see them as they see themselves.
Kono’s new book will launch at East East Tokyo in 2023, accompanied by an exciting lineup of artists and programs. The event opens on February 17 and runs until February 19. If you’re in Tokyo during this time, be sure to visit.