Website: www.akira.com.au

Akira Isogawa was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1965

He emigrated to Australia in 1986 when he was 21 years old. He first worked as a waiter, and a tour guide. He graduated from the Fashion School of Australia's East Sydney Tech. College in 1995.

He started making clothes as a hobby, then found a shop with low rent. He came to notice when Naomi Campbell wore one of his dresses on the cover of a magazine.

He showed his first collection in Sydney in 1996 and impressed Joan Burstein of London's famous BROWNS who had discovered John Galliano and many others. She bought his whole collection.

His East meets West collection at the Australian Fashion Week, aroused international excitement. He is now planning a show in Paris.

Spring/Summer 2004

Akira's vision for Spring 2004 was soft and gauzy. Two-tone skirts hugging the hips and sleeveless shirts embellished with beads.

His piece-de-resistance was the white backless gown with ruffles, shown here on the left.

Although he makes them in Australia, Isogawa's clothes are now found all over the world. His clothes retail in 14 countries including his native Japan. Exhibitions at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art and commissions to design costumes for the Australian Chamber Orchestra and the Sydney Dance Company have brough Akira Isogawa into the forefront of Australian fashion.

Sydney Fashion Week April 2005

Akira's elaborately constructed kimono-like ensembles are as much high art as they are high style. His show got a rousing reception in April 2005, although he has been appearing at Australian Fashion Week since 1996.

Here on the right are two dresses from his Fashion Week show in Sydney.

2005