About

About this archive and Tomoko Tahara:

Tomoko Tahara is a Japanese designer, collector, and food stylist, researcher based in Vancouver, Canada.

Originally trained as a milliner, she began designing hats in 1996 and presented her work internationally in Tokyo, Vancouver, New York, London, and Amsterdam. In 2011, she was shortlisted in Stephen Jones’s international millinery competition and featured by Vogue UK.

Over the years, Tahara’s practice has expanded beyond fashion into food culture, research and collecting.

Tomoko Tahara Archive brings together selected millinery pieces, garments, and objects accumulated throughout her career and travels.

Raised in the Showa era, Tomoko Tahara's archive reflects a lifelong habit of collecting, preserving, and rediscovering objects.

Millinery:

Tomoko Tahara Millinery Works creates handcrafted hats in limited quantities.

Established in 1996, the studio combines traditional millinery techniques with contemporary design. Many pieces incorporate vintage and antique materials selected for their texture, character, and history.

Each hat is individually made by hand, from molds, shaping and blocking to finishing details. Materials range from straw and felt to carefully sourced vintage fabrics and trims.