Designer DETAIL - Akira Isogawa
One of Australia's most celebrated designers, Akira Isogawa does not follow fashion. His designs transcend the norm as the designer stays true to his own path, producing collections filled with ethereal fabrics sewn into sculptural garments which are not for every woman, but certainly for those who like to create a unique look.
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"I translate fabrics into soft and romantic silhouettes, using natural fabrics like silks and cottons, which are kind to the skin.
I see craftsmanship as an implement with which to realise one's vision. Past, present and future; that slogan continues in almost everything around which my work evolves. Timeless beauty and femininity in my design is profound, in a way for the wearer to express their inner soul."
Born in Kyoto Japan, Akira moved to Australia in 1986 where he studied fashion design at the Sydney Institute of Technology, drawing inspiration from contemporary Japanese design.
Akira has achieved international recognition for his exquisite, contemporary designs, which are sought after in every major fashion capital throughout the world. His depth of work spans that of art as demonstrated by a variety of special projects and collaborations throughout the years.
Since 1998, Akira has shown his collections in Paris, where he presents Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections to international buyers each year. One of few designers to do so, Akira continues to maintain a strong presence in Sydney, where he has shown collections at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week every year since 1996.
Just a few of the designer's long list of industry accolades include being named the Designer of the Year and Womenswear Designer of the Year in 1999 at the Australian Fashion Industry Awards. In 2005 he was honoured by Australia Post and named an Australian Legend - his image appearing on a commemorative postage stamp and in 2005 he was awarded Prix De Marie Claire Best Australian Designer. In 2006 Akira received the Award for Fashion Excellence at the National Retail Association Fashion Design Awards.
Akira's work has been fondly embraced by the Australian arts sector. In 2004/05 Akira Isogawa: Printemps Ete pened at the National Gallery of Victoria - the first solo fashion and textiles exhibition by an Australian fashion designer to be presented at a major national or state institution (and still currently on tour in Asia). In 2003 Sydney Festival staged an exhibition of his garment construction techniques at Object Gallery. Akira has also been invited to exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art and twice has been included in the Powerhouse Museum's Fashion of the Year retrospective.
Akira has also designed costumes for four Sydney Dance Company productions - Salome, Air & Other Invisible Forces, Ellipse, Grand - and for the players in the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
For his Printemps Ete 2009 collection, Akira has created a unique story which is both modern and dynamic. Exquisite silks and linens are layered with geometric patterns, like tattooed ink on skin.
In particular Isogowa uses "Yukata" - a Japanese cotton Kimono worn in spring/summer, as inspiration for his print motif in the collection. The motifs are boldly geometric, and are both monochromatic and multicoloured. Wearable yet completely beautiful, each piece is individual.
Akira's designs are available globally, at some of the world's most famous stores. His work has been warmly received by fashion critics, drawing favourable reviews from leading figures such as Anna Piaggi and media including The New York Times and US Vogue.
Visit www.akira.com.au
