Echoes of Batik by Akira Isogawa

“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

The Kyoto-born Akira Isogawa (http://www.akira.com) moved to Sydney in 1986. A decade afterwards he presented his first ever collection in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia/MBFWA. His recent show in MBFWA 2016, which was one of the highly anticipated show, marks two decades of très elegant design.

JET has been a fan and a friend of Akira since a few years back. The craftsmanship of his designs is divine. It seems that each fabric receives Akira’s undivided attention.

My personal fascination to Akira’s creations went even further when he began creating Batik. Australian designed and Indonesian made Batik dresses by Akira is not only pretty to wear but it is also a collectible item. Akira has never made a large amount of collection and this is the key to his exclusive creations. JET has a piece of Akira’s Batik scarf which always turn heads every time it is worn.

JET is proud to be able to attend Akira’s show and gaze upon his newest collection for Resort 2017. Unbeknown to his die-hard fans and audience, Akira made a lovely surprise when a few male models strutting down the catwalk wearing handsome men’s attires. The white mens shirt with Chrysanthemum pattern of Batik will surely be a must have item to any dapper man. Akira’s last collection for men was in 2007, this is why his fans have been asking him to release another handsome collection for men.  

Last March, Akira collaborated with Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney in “Indonesia Beautiful” show. Hosted by The Honorable Dr Yayan Mulyana (Indonesian Consul General) and Mrs Irene Mulyana, the show aims to promote Indonesian fashion diplomacy to Australia, particularly through Australian designers who have created Indonesian Batik and textile. Akira’s collection during Indonesia Beautiful was so stunning that the collection attracted the attending dignitaries of the show, including HE General David Hurley (NSW Governor) and Madam Linda Hurley. His collection highlighted colorful Batik dresses and monochromatic Shibori back then.

Never miss JET’s exciting fashion adventure in IG (@JETJAKARTA) and blog (http://jetfashiondiplomacy.blogspot.com).

Ps. Catatan Kecil untuk Sahabats Desainers dan Rekans Fashionista:

Batik dan Shibori karya Akira Isogawa yang dirancang di Australia dan dibuat di Indonesia (Australian designed, Indonesian made) menunjukkan betapa Batik Indonesia telah mendunia, bahkan telah disambut dengan hangat oleh masyarakat Australia. Didesain dengan nuansa Jepang dan warna apik khas Australia, Batik Indonesia sukses diolah Akira sebagai opsi busana apik untuk perempuan Australia dan dunia yang anggun dan modern. Sahabats desainers dan rekans fashionista, motif Batik klasik memang menawan hati, tetapi jangan terpaku dengan motif tersebut. Contohlah Akira yang mengembangkan motif Batik seperti polka dot dan bunga krisan berukuran besar. Oh and one more thing, kalau seorang Akira seorang keturunan Jepang yang berkebangsaan Australia saja bangga dapat merancang dan mempromosikan Batik dan Shibori karya Indonesia, mengapa kita warga negara Indonesia tidak dapat melakukannya? Ayo kenakan Batik, Ikat, Tenun, Shibori, Songket, Tapis, Karawang dalam setiap kesempatan, khususnya saat fashionista sedang jalan-jalan keluar negeri. Be a head-turner is not enough, be a super stunner in Indonesian-made fashion!

JET’s outfit (IG: @JETJAKARTA):

Top: Indonesian Lurik (pinstripe patterned fabric) by Lulu Lutfi Labibi (IG: @lululutfilabibi, Facebook: Lulu Lutfi Labibi)

Shirt: H&M

Trousers: Missoni

Location: Residence of Indonesian Consul General in Sydney.

Red and white patterned Batik by Akira Isogawa (IG: @akiraisogawa).

Layers of grey and white.

Return of Akira’s handsome menswear.

Akira’s femme fatale.

Splendid collection.

Batik’s precious polka dots.

Black and White Batik scarf.

The tattooed man and his white shirt.

Wander in white.

Chrysanthemum Batik on white blouse.

Only Akira has a beguiling eye to details. Love the sequined pocket.

Red Chrysanthemum Batik on a white dress. Super elegant!

Big and bold Japanese flower Batik dress.

Akira’s little black dress (LBD) is always unique! Look at the Chrysanthemum flower Batik.

The devil is in the details. Adore that back!

Chrysanthemum Batik kaftan like dress. Epic!

Sarong style trousers look dashing with a white top

Asymmetrical skirt dazzles!

Bare back beauty.

Iridescent ivory dress.

See through white shirt and charcoal wide-legged trousers.

Be a stunner in black!

Stay warm in black cape.

Ravishing red for the head turners.

Front rowing with Novita Yunus (IG: @yunus.novita), the designer of Batik Chic (@batik_chic) and the Director of Opera House.

The media squad stand ready to capture the newest collection by Akira.

The always stylish Eva Galambos, the creative director of Parlour X (IG: @parlourx), one of Australian most celebrated multi brand store.

A boy gotta look his best for the fashion week J

Hello from this side of the world, the coveted Australian Fashion Week.

Introducing Nyibol Kuek (IG: @nybskuek6), Sydney-based aspiring model from East Africa. Nyibol, stay pretty!

Fashion week ready!

The watermelon cake from Black Star Pastry (IG: @blackstarpastry).

But first, let the diplomat and the designer enjoy these sweet treats before the show!

The eclectic Novita Yunus wearing her own grand design kaftan with hand-embroidery (IG: @yunus.novita, @batik_chic).