SYDNEY – As Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) celebrates its 20th anniversary, only one designer has been there since the beginning ‒ Akira Isogawa.
Akira had a memorable debut at the very first MBFWA in 1995 where as a new designer he couldn’t afford shoes so boldly sent his models down the catwalk in red socks. Spoken with reverence by industry insiders, Akira’s creative gift is to remain true to his signature Japanese fusion aesthetic even after all these years, and once again producing a show for Spring Summer 2015 that wowed and awed his guests.
The designer Akira Isogawa after his historic show at MBFWA
To keep in step with the anniversary celebration, Akira’s retrospective collection not only showcased new pieces but also reworked some of his most famous archived designs taking viewers on an exciting journey through his historic career.
I was delighted to see a revival of his red socks and a reappearance of “the dress that saved Sydney”. Previous Australian Vogue editor Marion Hume ‒ then editor for The Australian newspaper – was so disappointed with what she saw on the catwalk in 1999 she labeled Akira’s dress that year’s saving grace.
Looks from the Akira collection including the infamous ‘red socks’
It is Akira’s rich cultural heritage and the intricate detail of his designs that had everyone watching him create MBFWA history once again. Not only were his unique designs breathtaking but his models were exquisitely sequined and madeup by the MAC artistic makeup team complemented with wet Wella Hair looks that added to the overall effect.
Sequinned beauty look by the MAC artistic makeup team for the Akira show
SHOP THE BRAND
Akira is available for Singapore purchase via David Jones at shop.davidjones.com.au/akira or via email at akira@akira.com.au. For more information about Akira, go to www.akira.com.au.
All images by Jacquii Lie of Couture Caddy
