Akira Isogawa, my favourite Australian (Japanese-Australian) designer, talks about clothing as a physicist might discuss molecular behaviour, or the nature of matter:
"You must recognise that space between the skin and the body changes when the textile is loose, I feel that fashion transcends what we think it is, it should be our expression, our identity. When I design, I try to be honest and to communicate something within me. (But) my job is to cover the body in a flattering way".
(The Age Sept 2008)
www.akira.com.au
This Printemps Ete 2009 collection was Akira's 10th show in Paris, and seems to continue on somewhat from the story of the Resort 2009 collection I posted in Akira Resort 2009. You could still find some vibrant colours, but they were not as bold, the fabrics were also softer and more fluid, and some pieces whispered with soft watercolours.
This is the first time I have seen such 'Japanese'-influenced photos used by Akira in his lookbook, as in, the cutesy poses (for GG fans, the penultimate photo reminds me of 'Blair' in that photoshoot!), the Asian model (makeup by Shu Uemura), the hair & hairpieces.
This collection made my heart sing, especially the watercolour maxi dress, pleated mulicolour cape, beaded cropped jacket (and the beaded scarf), sakura prints, and oh my the kimono (be still my beating heart)! I absolutely adore every piece of his! And look! I had to include the last picture, as those are the best pants I have ever seen Akira design, almost like his interpretation of the Harem pant, but so incredibly elegant and poised, that outfit makes me sigh...
Side note, when chatting to the lovely Akira SA Dana, she commented on the Dries Van Noten beaded/sequinned shirtdress I was wearing, and I shared that DVN and Akira were my absolute favourite designers. We discussed that that is due to both designers' love & focus on textiles, which is one big reason why I love their designs so much, they are works of art. In fact, they may even vie for the same embroiderers...(you didn't hear that from me).
Seeing this collection by Akira has inspired me to wear his blue silk dress to my family 'do' this afternoon...In fact, I'd better go get ready!
Ooh, thanks so much for posting! I really like these. There are a couple I would just love to own. I like how the dresses are really pretty, but I feel as if they can be lived in...
ReplyDeleteOk now I'm in Love he is sure a designer to watch !!
ReplyDeleteLove all those dresses!
and the model is quite funny :)
what gorgeous images and the model is a delight. i love akira too.
ReplyDeletegorgeous dresses and colours!
ReplyDeletexx
the print jacket is amazing, i love the gathering detail on the back.
ReplyDeleteand thanks for your lovely comments!
Mathilde x
I love every single one of these looks. The shape, the patterns and the colours, wow!
ReplyDeletethis girl is so pretty!!and love ur blog dear !!thanks for ur comment kisses HANDE
ReplyDeleteWow these are all amazing.
ReplyDeleteStay chic!
the collection is beautiful! the color, fabrics, prints, & those shoes! they're so fun!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
La C.
I love the choice of colours. They are lovely shades, especially the greens and reds.
ReplyDeletei also love the watercolour maxi dress !!! and i love the purple one !!! i didn't know akira isogawa before i read your blog. i am happy you made me discover his beautiful creations.
ReplyDeletelove this
ReplyDeletewww.balmainbazaar.blogspot.com
The combination of print and draping is perfect.... they are also undeniably 'you' if you know what I mean....
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I was in Paris during Fashion Week and only found out after the fact...
ReplyDeleteThere are some really gorgeous pieces there, wish I wasn't on such a student budget!
Oh, those dresses are gorgeous! And I'm seriously considering wearing my hair in a high side-bun next week...
ReplyDeleteI really love the things you pick to put on here haha the asian/japanese style is really great, especially the different prints and cutting that they use!
ReplyDeleteakira is perfection. All the garments are just amazing!
ReplyDeletex
http://gracioulyzoe.blogspot.com/
The tag will be up soon. :)
ReplyDeleteThe maxi dresses are pretty much perfect. I haven't seen such beauty in a long time!
ReplyDeleteEu quero esses sapatos :o lindos!
ReplyDeleteThose designs are pure perfection, the one i love the most is the third piece you present. The combination of colors is what caught my attention.
ReplyDeletethese are beautiful! Great post.
ReplyDeleteI want the second dress!
ReplyDeleteThat quote was really inspirational. I love designers that feel a sense of responsibility with what they create.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
I love the Japanese inspiration!! yay!!!
ReplyDeleteThey are all so beautiful! Amazing colours, I would gladly wear all of them!
ReplyDeleteLindo*
ReplyDeletebeautiful collection. i am absolutely smitten with the third dress. the colors are bold and designs heartening.
ReplyDeletebeautiful beautiful dresses! the model is gorgeous as well...and the shoes! amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteAkira is most def. at the top of my list for Australian Fashion, his attention to detail is beyond amazing! There hasn't been a single collection of his that i haven't been inspired by =]
ReplyDeleteLove Akira! He's an amazing designer. Good news -- we'd love to add you as a Trendsetter on our site (www.shopittome.com/trendsetters). Email us if you're interested - trendsetters@shopittome.com - we'd love to tell you more about our site and get you up and running among our favorites!
ReplyDelete-Natalie
The orchids in the hair is genius! ahah, beautiful collection.
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