Wigmaker, hairstylist and head prop maker Tomihiro Kono is a master of disguise. His ethereal headwear has long been key to the visual identity of Comme des Garçons’ runway and has appeared on the covers of W, T Magazine and several global editions of Vogue. For all the razzle-dazzle of his astral creations, the artist himself is a reserved perfectionist. He spoke to Selena Takigawa Hoy about how a childhood on an orange farm made way for a career behind the scenes of the most glamorous shoots and shows in London, New York and Tokyo.

How did you become interested in hair and wigs?
I was born and raised in Ehime, Shikoku. My parents were mikan [orange] farmers. I am the oldest son, and by tradition, I was supposed to take over my parents’ job. But there was nothing as far as the ey...