Since being named Designer of the Year and Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Australian Fashion Industry Awards in 1999 Akira has received a string of awards. After his debut show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia in 1996, this now became a regular outlet for his work, but not only. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Now that life is a little bit calmer, Isogawa is free to explore new visions and different outlets for his work. Born in Kyoto, Japan in 1964, he emigrated to Australia in 1986 and he is now one of the most famous Fashion Designer in the land down under. In 2003 the Sydney Festival staged an exhibition of his garment construction techniques at Object Gallery, creating the most successful show in the gallery’s history. Here he caught Joan Burstein’s eye, the international fashion buyer who helped launch names such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano in the U.K. Another pivotal moment was Naomi Campbell wearing Akira’s kimono-inspired dress on the cover of Vogue Australia in 1997. “That cover was a turning point in my career; it can’t be understated. Akira Isogawa’s exhibition is at MAAS (Powerhouse Museum) in Sydney from Dec 15. maas.museum. Japan – Italy He arrived in Australia from Japan in 1986, on a working holiday. In addition, he spent eighteen months designing the costumes for the Australian Ballet’s production of Graeme Murphy’s Romeo and Juliet, to tour the Sydney Opera House in December 2011. Isogawa has worked for the Sydney Dance Company as one of their costume designers on multiple occasions. Akira Isogawa (b. In 2007 Akira was awarded the inaugural Australian Fashion Laureate Award for his contribution to the Australian Fashion Industry. 1964 Designer (Textile Artist / Fashion Designer) Internationally acclaimed Australian fashion designer based in Sydney. I remember drawing female figures and playing with flowers and crushing them to see what colours came out. Since 1998, Akira has shown his collections in Paris, where he presents Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections to international buyers each year. Eponymous womenswear label by acclaimed Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa. Australian Designer, Australian Fashion Industry, Editorial, Fashion Designer, Global Fashion Industry, Interview. In his early life, he had an affinity with fabrics and fashion, purchasing his first own item of clothing at 12, and first fashion brand name garment at age 16. With the opening of Japan to the world, Japanese people have travelled and moved to different countries. He took up a fashion design course at East Sydney Tech two years later. Here Isogawa could connect with like-minded people and let his talent flourish. 25 December 1964) is one of Australia's most prominent contemporary fashion designers. Japan Travel, Japan Italy Bridge is part of It was amazing,” reminisces Isogawa. By the late 1990s, he was known internationally together with his womenswear label Akira. Japan Folklore & Culture In 1993 the fashion label ‘Akira’, which focuses on women’s clothing starts. Free shipping orders $60+ I still have it in stock.”. Akira continues to maintain a strong presence in Sydney, where he has shown his Resort collections during Australian Fashion Week since 1996. I don’t think I can behave ‘typically’ Japanese and follow societal rules. Since 1998, Akira has shown his collections in Paris, where he presents Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections. Isogawa works with a team of pattern makers and sewers in his Sydney studio. Photos: japantimes.co.jp, Blog 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. In fact, we can see him collaborating on artistic projects, such as costume design for the Sydney Dance Company. He refers to the Japanese art of “reading the air,” where things are understood, but not necessarily said. Akira Isogawa – Label MinistryLabel Ministry. Collections presented in Sydney and Paris, available online and in store. The Akira womenswear brand is famous for mixing elements of East and West in both terms of textiles, techniques and design. I understand how such rules are necessary and help Japan to function as efficiently as it does. In 2006 Akira received the Award for Fashion Excellence. Akira Isogawa. Akira Isogawa is now Australia’s most famous Japanese resident. Inside the world of Akira Isogawa. Visit Maas.museum/akira Akira Isogawa too admits a nostalgic longing for the tranquil Kyoto of his childhood. “I thought you had to be dead to appear on a postage stamp, let alone working actively in your field. This exhibition is the first to explore his career of more than 25 years, revealing the background, impulses and cultural influences that have contributed to the making of a fashion original. In 2005 he was invited to appear on a commemorative postage stamp — and as an “Australian Legend,” no less. A garment can transcend, giving it a soul. “Growing up in Kyoto, I always felt as if I belonged elsewhere. The government launched a Working Holiday visa program that gave Isogawa the chance to realize his ambitions of studying and working in fashion. Akira Isogawa Unfolding a Life in Fashion by Akira Isogawa with Georgina Safe published by Thames & Hudson in association with the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) $90. As a firm believer in slow and sustainable fashion, Akira Isogawa’s garments transcend time, oblivious to trends, and they are to be worn again and again. Akira Isogawa is an internationally renowned fashion designer based in Sydney. Japan is famous and attractive not only to Italy’s eyes but also worldwide and Akira Isogawa’s work is an example. Isogawa originally enrolled in Welfare Studies at a Buddhist University in … However, everyone always misses the homeland. Akira Isogawa is one of Australia’s most iconic designers. Who is Akira Isogawa Born in Kyoto, Japan in 1964, he emigrated to Australia in 1986 and he is now one of the most famous Fashion Designer in the land down under. In those days, the Japanese label Comme des Garçons was the most avant-garde fashion brand and I used to visit the store in Kyoto. It was here that she met and started working on projects with her future … He also draws on the skills of craftspeople from overseas and has some aspects of production manufactured in China. Akira Isogawa is one of Australia’s most celebrated and successful fashion designers. I couldn’t handle everything and ended up with a receptionist, among 25 other full-time staff.”. “The wool gauze is quite fragile, beautifully soft and 100 percent Australian merino. The institute was looking for a designer who could update wool’s image so in 2005, Akira Isogawa created a new kind of fabric. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Some of Akira Isogawa’s designs on display at Sydney’s Museum of Applied Arts and Science. He has had a long association with the Sydney Dance Company as a designer of their costumes. “Sydney is my base,” Isogawa says. However, it’s in the 90s that Isogawa’s work and his label Akira exploded and was known all over the world. Akira Isogawa is now Australia’s most famous Japanese resident. Akira Isogawa (五十川明, Isogawa Akira, b. Catherine Martin was born in Sydney in 1965. I wanted wool to be reinterpreted as transeasonal,” he says. Purchased from the Akira Isogawa look book. Born in Kyoto, Isogawa moved to Sydney in 1986 when he … This honor is just one of the many awards received by Isogawa for his achievements in over 25 years of career, He told The Japan times “To be honest, I had no idea that Australia Post was so progressive and innovative in their marketing,” he says, laughing. It’s a real relief.”. His work has … Australia and its fashion scene have embraced Akira Isogawa as one of their own. But I’m a rule breaker, and that’s permitted here in Australia. “I wanted (the textile) to be light. Japan Tradition & History Born in Kyoto Japan, Akira moved to Australia in 1986 where he studied fashion design at the Sydney Institute of Technology. I still have so much yet to do!”. Akira Isogawa: Printemps–Été Curator Katie Somerville of the National Gallery of Victoria has worked with Japanese-born Australian designer Akira Isogawa to create an exhibition of recent work that shows how Isogawa's work is inspired and developed as well as the finished objects. He feels very closed to his adoptive home, also thanks to a maternal cousin living in the New South Wales town of Mittagong. After enrolling in a fashion course at the East Sydney Technical College, he opened his first shop using all his savings. Top, shorts and jacket by Akira Isogawa, featuring Japanese water garden inspired motifs on display at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery. 1964), fashion designer, was born in Kyoto, Japan, and first came to Australia on a working holiday at the age of 21. Akira Isogawa’s wedding dress for Juliet in the Japanese-inspired scene also caught my eye. Find the latest trends and top brands at AKIRA. Akira Isogawa delves into the creative world of one of Australia's best known and most loved designers. About Akira. He has achieved international recognition for his exquisite contemporary designs, which are sought after in every major fashion capital throughout the world. Akira Isogawa We sit down with Japanese-born Australian fashion designer Akira Isogawa in his atelier and talk about his childhood in Kyoto, his take on slow fashion and … His designs are heavily exhibited both here and internationally, and it’s clear that Akira Isogawa’s handiwork has come to be viewed as an art form. This video was produced with funds donated by Tim Fairfax AC. Source: japantimes.co.jp Excited by what he saw as the country’s ‘fresh and youthful spirit,’ he moved here permanently, working as a waiter by night while studying fashion design at East Sydney TAFE and Sydney’s National Art School. The freedom afforded to Akira’s work and life as an Australian immigrant helped him develop his own personal style. A featherweight, fine wool gauze inspired by silk georgette. The latest Akira Isogawa news, articles, profiles, features, interviews and galleries from Australian Financial Review Akira Isogawa. 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. In 2004/05, Akira Isogawa: Printemps Été opened 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 (touring thereafter in Singapore, Manila, and Bangkok). Akira Isogawa is arguably Australia’s most famous Japanese resident. Akira Isogawa is one of Australia’s most distinctive and respected contemporary designers. Shop tons of cute dresses, crop tops, platform shoes, and so much more. - Akira Isogawa Akira Isogawa is one of Australia’s most iconic designers. She completed a Diploma Design course at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney. In 2005, caught by surprise, he became an “Australian Legend” and he was invited to appear on a commemorative postage stamp. I spent all my money on clothes. Iconic Australian fashion designer, Akira Isogawa discusses the development of his unique style and his portrait by Peter Brew-Bevan. Being one of Australia's most successful fashion designers Akira Isogawa is one of the few Australian designers to sell his clothing in Paris. However, this humble designer shies away from the label and doesn’t buy into the hype – for him it’s a business and there’s always work to be done. 2.7K likes. Akira Isogawa b. Photographs of Akira’s Printemps-Ete 2015 collection are by James Dunn. Around this time, he chanced upon lucrative work as a Japanese tour guide … Tucked behind a ratty, stained old door on a Marrickville side street filled with industrial artist studios, the pay-off is an aesthete's dream. And, in 2005 he was honoured by Australia Post with his image appearing on an ‘Australian Legend’ commemorative postage stamp. Akira’s work has been fondly embraced by the Australian arts sector. • Akira Isogawa, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, 15 Dec 2018-30 June 2019. BRIDGE MEDIA Communication Isogawa also designs garments based of what books his read, places he’s travelled, and people he has met from different countries and cultures. His clothes appear under his own label and are sold in Australia and New Zealand, and 10 other countries. He might be one of the country's most prominent fashion designers, but you have to really want to find Akira Isogawa's studio in Sydney's inner west. Luxury & Lifestyle in your inbox. Akira has designed costumes for four Sydney Dance Company productions – Salome, Air & Other Invisible Forces, Ellipse, Grand- and for the players in the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Arrived in Australia in the mid-80s and having some difficulties in the first weeks of his stay, things got better after the city’s groundbreaking RAT (Recreational Arts Team) dance parties were born. Akira Isogawa at the Powerhouse Museum is the first to explore his career, inspiration, and influences as he marks 25 years in an often tenuous business. He studied fashion at the East Sydney Technical College drawing inspiration from contemporary Japanese design. I was crazy about fashion as a teenager. di Erika Panzeri, © 2018 Japan Italy Bridge is part of BRIDGE MEDIA Communication di Erika Panzeri | All rights reserved | Privacy Policy: ITA | ENG | JP, Akira Isogawa: Japanese Australian legend, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). He has four stand alone boutiques in Australia – in Woollahra and the Strand Arcade, Sydney; Fitzroy in Melbourne; and Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Akira Isogawa was born in 1964 in Kyoto, Japan. But at the same time, it was so stressful. In fact, these runways were just the beginning and he landed a spot in Paris fashion shows. Isogawa’s first collection was launched in 1994 and two years later at the inaugural Mercedes Australian Fashion Week his spring/summer 1996-97 collection received major attention and critical acclaim. 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. In 2004, he met with CEO of Australian Wool Innovation and Isogawa became the ambassador for Australian Wool. Born in Japan, he immigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1986 where he began designing for fashion. Akira Isogawa is one of Australia’s most celebrated designers. Although it is pretty much impossible to learn much about the construction and detail of individual costumes from a seat in the auditorium, this dress seemed to be beautifully made from delicately patterned silk, or synthetic silken-look fabric. 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