SYDNEY: Fashion designer Akira Isogawa has accepted a top industry gong in typical style – hard at work.
The designer, who was honoured with the inaugural Australian Fashion Laureate yesterday evening, was forced to give his acceptance speech from half-way around the world. Currently selling his spring/summer collection at Paris Fashion Week, Isogawa delivered a video message to guests attending the official launch party of Rosemount Australian Trans-Seasonal Fashion Week.
He said he was looking forward to his arrival in Sydney next week, where he would celebrate with colleagues and friends.
Accepting the award on Isogawa's behalf was his mentor, teacher and fellow Australian Fashion Laureate nominee Nicholas Huxley (pictured). Other nominees included designers Collette Dinnigan, Carla Zampatti and Jayson Brunsdon.
Isogawa currently wholesales to 14 countries around the world and has his own flagship store at Sydney's Strand Arcade. He has worked as a costume designer for the Sydney Dance Company and exhibited his Japanese inspired designs at a number of major Australian galleries.
PIC BY WENDELL TEODORO