Mythology of the Crown

In keeping with our mission to support and inspire creativity, we ask the artists we collaborate with to offer insight into their work, a look behind the scenes, and the opportunity for our readers to learn more about the process. For our latest fashion feature, hairstylist Yumiko Hikage answers our questions.
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What was the inspiration behind this shoot?
The initial inspiration came from an old mannequin head and a vintage photograph featuring an unusual, almost mythological hairstyle. From there, I came up with the idea of creating a hair story that felt like a still life.

What was the first step of putting together the concept and idea for this shoot?
Rather than being specific to this shoot, the concept comes from something that has always existed within me: the desire to transform distorted, unsettling, almost nightmare-like imagery into something beautiful.

I started creating headpieces with this idea in mind. Hair can become a mask, a hat, or something entirely different. I wanted to take the imagery beyond conventional hairstyling and explore how it could evolve in different directions.

What is your favorite image from this shoot and why?
My favorite is the image featuring the oversized, hat-like headpiece. I wanted to recreate the brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night through the flow and movement of the hair.

It took a tremendous amount of time to create, so I was really happy to see the photographer capture it in such a striking way.

Who or what are some of the biggest inspirations for your work?
Musically, I’m inspired by punk and classical music. In the art world, Francis Bacon has been a major influence on me.

How do you typically find inspiration for your work?
I draw a lot of inspiration from sculpture and fine art.

What are some themes that you are frequently drawn to in your work?
Surrealism is a recurring theme in my work.

How would you describe the style of your work?
Weird but cool.

What do you do to overcome a creative block?
I travel and take a break from my everyday surroundings. Getting away from my usual routine helps me reset and see things from a different perspective.

Is there anything you’re experimenting with or hoping to explore in your future work?
I want to create a variety of funny pubic hair postiches and explore the possibilities of making medical wigs more fashionable.

How do you see your work evolving in the coming years?
I see my work evolving along two very different paths: one that pushes creative boundaries as far as possible, and another that focuses on creating things that genuinely help people. I’m interested in exploring both extremes.

What is something you wish you had known when you were starting your career?
I would tell my younger self that all those sleepless nights—working as an assistant during the day and taking shifts at a bar at night—would eventually pay off, and that one day I would be able to make a living entirely through my own creative work.

Be the first to read this story and many more in print by preordering your copy of our twelfth issue here. Yumiko has selected Art Will Save the World, which provides arts education, resources, and materials to underprivileged children in Cambodia, as the recipient of proceeds from direct sales of this version of CERO 12.⁠