Akira Isogawa - Le Artiste

(www.vogue.com.au)

As if I haven't raved about Akira enough, I just wanted to share this picture with you.  When I went to the Akira store at the GPO and bought my wedding dress, I saw this dress on the rack, and I literally gasped in awe of its beauty.  

Sadly this photo doesn't do the dress justice, and I can't find any others to show you, but it was truly breathtaking.  What the picture doesn't show you is that the dress was made of the most beautiful silk, which was finely pleated all around at the skirt, resembling an Oriental fan.  The birds and foliage were amazingly embroidered with the softest of silk threads, and the detail of each crane's feather was out-of-this-world.  Wistfully I had to leave it behind, as I had just purchased my wedding dress, and had an upcoming wedding to save up for.

Picture of a Chinese painting I am happily 'babysitting' for my parents (once again, the picture doesn't do it justice, but due to the reflective glass, was the best I could do) - click to enlarge

I joked with the lovely Akira SA Dana that I wished I could purchase that dress and hang it on my wall, as it was truly a work of art.

(Vogue Australia June 08)

Born in Kyoto Japan, Akira Isogawa moved to Australia in 1986 where he studied fashion design at the Sydney Institute of Technology, drawing inspiration from contemporary Japanese design.  His Philosophy below (taken from his website www.akira.com.au) explains the beauty of his designs.  He is undoubtedly my favourite Australian designer.

Philosophy

“A garment can transcend, giving it a soul.

“I translate fabrics into soft and romantic silhouettes, using natural fabrics like silks and cottons, which are kind to the skin.

“Distressing fabrics and alchemically treating them, gives the feeling of already ‘being loved’, thus evoking emotion. Even one-off fabrics found in flea markets can be given new life.

“Richly embellished fabrics echo Eastern influences, and I have great respect for their traditions. Inspiration can be found from the past – re-using vintage textiles and sometimes creating replicas of them, incorporated with specific craftsmanship.

“The number of hours someone has spent on manual work like this makes it priceless.

“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.”

— Akira Isogawa

Akira Resort 2009 & Vogue Australia Sept 2009

(www.akira.com.au)

Akira's Resort 2009 Collection

Vogue Australia September 2008

The Question: What was your favourite collection from RAFW 2008 and why?

Post of the Month: I tried to remain unbiased towards my favourite designer when perusing the RAFW collections, but to no avail, as Akira Isogawa's collection was clearly the winner for me. It reaffirmed why he is on par with - if not better than - international designers such as Nicolas Ghesquiere and Olivier Theyskens. Isogawa's latest collection was literally breathtaking, and watching his show was an amazing journey through the most wearable collection of the season. Starting with hushed, muted tones on beautifully embroidered and fluid dresses, Isogawa 's then moved to soft feminine florals. And then - lo and behold - an explosion of colour and clashing florals! These were the most vibrant colours I have ever seen him use - it was like bold brushstrokes on canvas. But every piece was completely and utterly wearable, including silk chiffons in saturated hues and even black; there was something for everyone. And as for me, I want one of everything! Brigadeiro

I was SO excited when I found out my answer would be printed as the winning post of the month in Vogue Australia, and that I won a year's subscription to it! I could go on and on about Akira! His work is absolutely amazing, and literally works of art. Was too lazy to scan the page, so took a pic.