From classical training in Japan to pioneering the avant-garde world of hair and head props, Tomihiro Kono has carved a unique niche in pop culture. Born in Ehime, Japan, in 1980, Kono dedicated a decade to mastering classical hairdressing before making a pivotal move to London in 2007. It was there that he transitioned into a session hairstylist and began his innovative journey into creating head props, ultimately defining his role as a ‘Hair and Head Prop Artist’.
Kono’s career continued its global trajectory, with a base in New York from 2013 to 2020. His return to Tokyo in August 2020 didn’t slow his international reach; he continues to collaborate with clients worldwide remotely. His groundbreaking work as the hair and head prop director for Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons’ Paris Fashion Week shows from 2013 to 2016 was meticulously documented in his self-published 2017 book, HEAD PROP studies 2013–2016, released through his konomad editions imprint. This personal and documentary work showcases his uncompromising and visually striking approach to functional head prop designs, with a revised 4th print edition currently available.
Around 2016-2017, Kono embraced a natural progression in his artistry, shifting his intensive focus from head props to the intricate craft of wig making. This evolution expanded his creative possibilities, leading to a series of acclaimed publications. These include PERSONAS 111 – The Art of Wig Making 2017–2020 (2020), Fancy Creatures: The Art of Wig Making 2020-2022 (early 2023), and his latest, Space Creatures: Wigs by Tomihiro Kono [2022-2025] (slated for early 2026).
At the heart of Kono’s artistic philosophy is the exploration of hair and wigs as a ‘second skin’ or ‘masks’—tools for self-expression, identity transformation, and the portrayal of diverse personas. His innovative vision has attracted a stellar roster of collaborators, including Björk for her album ‘Fossora’ and Cornucopia tour, Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons, Maison Margiela, Supreme, MM6 Maison Margiela, Collina Strada, Yueqi Qi, and BAPE. Notably, he designed a striking red Mohawk for Timothée Chalamet, further cementing his influence in high fashion and pop culture.
Kono’s creations have garnered global recognition, finding their place in museum collections and various international exhibitions. He also co-runs konomad, an artist-run platform and independent publishing label, with artist Sayaka Maruyama, which curates events and publishes books. In June 2026, his konomad platform will host a ‘TOMI KONO PROFESSIONAL’ FANCY POP-UP event in Tokyo, introducing new products and apparel related to his unique artistic vision.