AKIRA’s AMAZING SS13 Collection – a tribute to Japan

What an amazing week.. LUCKY ME yesterday I got to fulfil my dream of not only attending my first Australian Fashion week, schmooze with designers to talk to them about J’adorais and potential collaborations but I also got to attend amazing shows, and what show could be more amazing than long-time established Australian designer, Akira Isogawa.

I have always admired Akira’s collections, I love his use of fabric and textures, the oriental influences in his design in his intricate attention for detail. My sister, Stylist and Fashion Editor Clarice Chian wore an amazing beautiful Akira dress on her wedding day.

Akira’s SS13 show was held at “the Box” at the Mercedes Benz Fashion week, it was a very busy show and we had to line up for over half an hour outside the show before we were allowed to enter the showroom. Akira Isogawa delivered his exquisite spring-summer collection via this season’s most contagious trend, an installation.

“Leading his models onto white plinths, he opened with a breathtaking bridal collection, white and diaphanous with intricate beading and silk appliqué on tulle recalling maple leaves and Hokusai clouds.” (Daily Life)

On the other side of the room was a contrast of bright colours, vivid hues and textures, with beautiful oriental prints of birds, orchids and sakura transmuted in vibrant red, pink, marigold, turquoise and mikado yellow prints. Akira’s collection transpired a taste of Japan, wtih origami-like folds and obi sashes paid homage to traditional kimonos, while saucer-shaped hats, feathered headdresses, colour-happy platforms and scarfs that looked like dancing coral added that extra element of drama. The atmosphere at the box was serene, with the sounds of birdcalls, cicadas and Vivaldi’s ‘Spring’ playing in the background.

I loved all the beautiful oriental prints on the silk kimonos and on the wedge heels.. each piece of garment a work of art.

It was great to be able to walk around and appreciate every single detail in each piece of garment, which you probably would not be able to do if this were showcased in a traditional runway fashion show.

The best thing of all was to be able to meet the designer in person, just before he was ushered to do many of his interviews (including with FTV!) Yup, there I’ve had it, my first week at Australian Fashion week ending with the greatest high-note! Living the dream! 🙂

“About Akira
Born in Kyoto Japan, Akira moved to Australia in 1986 where he studied fashion design at the Sydney Institute of Technology,
Since 1998, Akira has shown his collections in Paris, where he presents Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections.

His work has been embraced by the Australian arts sector. In 2004/05 Akira Isogawa: Printemps Ete opened at the National Gallery of Victoria. In 2003 the Sydney Festival staged an exhibition of his garment construction techniques at Object Gallery. He has also been invited to exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art and has been included in the Powerhouse Museum’s Fashion of the Year retrospective.

In 1999, he was named Designer of the Year and Womenswear Designer of the Year at the Australian Fashion Industry Awards in 1999. In 2007 he was awarded the Australian Fashion Laureate Award for his contribution to the Australian Fashion Industry. In 2005 he was honoured by Australia Post and his image appeared on an ‘Australian Legend’ postage stamp.

He has designed costumes for four Sydney Dance Company and most recently completed designing the costumes for the Australian Ballet’s production Romeo and Juliet .” Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia