TT&Co is a Japanese helmet brand, founded 25 years ago by Hiro Takahashi and Takada (TT). They were motivated by the fact they were not able to find the helmet they were looking for in Japan and they decided then to launch their own brand. They are offering a wide range of helmets but here at Age of Glory we are really fan of their handmade vintage helmet.
Hiro is formerly a custom builder artist but he started to extend his art to vintage custom helmets. If you look at the vintage custom handmade line of helmets you will be amazed by the patina and crackings on the paint. You just imagine that these helmets are coming straight from the 30s or 40s, and that the painting is marked by the time and use of the helmet. You’re wrong! It is pure art. And instead of the work of the time, this is the hand of Hiro that shape this astonishing and unique vintage effect..
The painting is not the only great detail of these custom helmets. All the details such like the leather trim, the interior of the helmets and even the strap are also made in the spirit of the vintage helmets that riders used to wear in the 30s and 40s. I guess you understood that we fell in love.
HIRO TAKAHASHI
Hiro is the art master behind the brand and the customization of the helmets. We had a short discussion together about TT&CO.
What was your motivation when you decided to launch your helmet brand? What is the starting point f the brand?
Twenty years ago, there were hardly any helmets that I wanted, so I have made many helmets myself, that looks cool such like I wanted.
What is your background?
I’m a custom builder.
You are so talented in doing patina, crackling effect, etc… How did you learn this art ?
Since I was a child, my parents didn’t buy me new expensive things, so I was given very dirty used bicycles. I was embarrassed and my friends were laughing, so I tried hard to clean them up by sanding and painting them to look clean. After 20 years,I became a custom builder, and I started to dirty and paint the exterior of my custom bikes, which is the opposite of what I did as a child. I paint old-looking bikes like old Panhead. I did that a lot, and it became my specialty and for me, very easier than make clean.
How long does it take you to make these vintage painted helmets?
It depends…. 5-10 days for one.
What is your project you are the most proud of?
Cracking in paint….
Are you a motorcycle rider? if so what bikes do you own?
Knucklehead 1941, Panhead 1953, FXWG 1980, KH 1954, 1972 XLCH, FXDWG 1993, FXR 1982, Vespa, Honda Dax125, Honda Dax 50, Honda XR100…
What bike you dream to own?
So many Real Survivor Choppers 1960’s-1970’s
IMPORTANT NOTICE: These helmets are not certified for road use in Europe.