Maiko Takeda: Atmospheric Reentry

With many a maverick design piece, appearances can be mightily deceptive; upon first glance at Tokyo born-and-bred Maiko Takeda’s MA collection, Atmospheric Reentry, of headpieces, it is easy to dismiss her creations as impractical, excessive, and even a little painful (all of the pieces are constructed from clear film, Perspex and silver, except one that substitutes cashmere for the latterly mentioned metal) – but if internationally-acclaimed singer/songwriter (and grand-dame of the avant-garde) Björk can not only wear one, but perform in one, perhaps one needs to delve beyond initial impressions before forming conclusions.

Upon the second, third, forth and the dozens of successive glances thereafter that Takeda’s headpieces garner – and rightly deserve – it then becomes apparent that there is so much more at play than just spiky shards of Perspex for the sake of spiky shards of Perspex. Each piece is comparable to a dreamscape – no two are the same, but all have just the right hint of chromatic potency and lightness of touch to meld everything together; and, as entire collections go – particularly one created for a Masters’ degree (Takeda previously studied Jewellery Design at Central Saint Martins before working for the likes of Philip Treacy and Issey Miyake; Atmospheric Reentry is the final collection from her MA course in Millinery at the Royal College of Art) – this one is particularly sublime.

Upon the very last glance – or, as it should be at this stage, intent stare full of awe – at Takeda’s creations, the invocation of celestial beings should be so clear as to throw these works of wearable art into a whole new light; halos and oneiric, heavenly imagery now creep to the fore of the mind, as the former niggles of practicality and pain take a step back.

For Takeda, Atmospheric Reentry is all about making pieces that “give people… magical experiences” and “blur the boundaries of surrounding space for the wearer”, as well as providing an “ethereal adornment to the body”; and for her very lucky wearers, it’s all about being a part of this artist and innovator’s most elaborate, infinite and beautiful of dreams.

Tara Okeke

For more information, visit Maiko Takeda’s website.