Akki Shirakawa is an Osaka-born, Tokyo-raised hairstylist who has called New York home for over two decades. Akki has developed a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, technical precision, and a singular mastery of wigs. What began as a personal fascination has evolved into an extraordinary archive—his collection now numbering in the hundreds, each piece meticulously handmade by Akki himself.
Today, Akki’s work blends sculptural precision with an intuitive understanding of character and transformation, making him a trusted collaborator among fashion’s most influential creatives. He has worked closely with fashion editor Carine Roitfeld and collaborated with photographers including Steven Klein, Mario Sorrenti, Alasdair McLellan, and Luigi & Iango across a wide range of editorial and commercial projects.
His client roster includes major fashion houses and beauty brands such as Calvin Klein, Chanel, Donna Karan, Givenchy, MAC Cosmetics, Ralph Lauren, Redken, Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co., and Versace.
Akki has also worked closely with Lady Gaga on a number of significant projects, alongside an extensive roster of notable celebrities and models like Kim Kardashian, Linda Evangelista, and Kate Moss. Known for his transformative approach to hair and his signature handmade wigs, Akki continues to push the boundaries of hair as both craft and character within contemporary image-making.
