Daughter of Japanese hat-maker Hirata launches line

Ohko Ishida, right, worked alongside her father, master milliner Akio Hirata, for 10 years before presenting her own collection

August 28, 2000
Web posted at: 1:31 p.m. EDT (1731 GMT)

TOKYO (CNN) -- At age 75, Japanese milliner Akio Hirata has taken off one of his hats. He ended the classes where he taught his craft for 38 years.

For an even longer time, the last five decades, he has been topping off the outfits of celebrities and royalty -- and his business still thrives.

"When I started working as a milliner, Japan had no historical background for the making of hats," he said. "Now that has changed and I am proud to be part of the change."

His daughter and assistant, Ohko Ishida, may have been his best student. She releases her debut collection this fall.

The collection is aimed at a younger customer, Ishida says.

"I am designing for a young woman who doesn't want to look too dressed up," she said. "She wants a hat that fits her daily life.

VIEW ISHIDA'S HATS

"I also believe that today's hats have to be versatile. Women want to wear them in different ways. One day they want to look casual and the next day more elegant."

Ishida uses light colors -- lavender, peppermint and pink -- as well as classic dark neutrals. She mixes felt with fabrics and keeps the shapes simple, close to the head.

But she agrees with her father when he says a hat can make an outfit.

"Of course you have to find a hat that suits you and the bone structure of your face," Hirata says. "But, once you know what looks right, you can play. A hat should be both charming and fun."

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