Akiko Shimizu is a Japanese milliner whose work bridges the refined discipline of Japanese
craftsmanship with the heritage of European haute couture. She trained in Paris, where she studied
traditional hat-making techniques and gained professional experience within the fashion world,
including collaborations with the Opéra de Paris.
Each hat by Akiko Shimizu is entirely handmade, following a slow and meticulous process that
honors materials, balance, and form. Her creations express a timeless elegance, rooted in tradition
yet resonating with a contemporary sensibility.
Her collections are presented in Japan, primarily in Tokyo’s Ginza district and other major cities,
exclusively through high-end boutiques that value authenticity, craftsmanship, and uniqueness.
In Italy, Akiko Shimizu collaborates with designers and creative partners, developing limited editions
born from the dialogue between cultures, united by a shared respect for artisanal excellence,
research, and the beauty of handmade objects.
