Akira Isogawa
“I realised when doing this that a lot of my favourite places haven’t changed,” says Akira Isogawa of Vogue’s assignment to consider his version of Sydney. “The familiarity and comfort gives me a sense of ease and it allows me to play and be inspired.” The Japanese-born designer, who arrived in Sydney more than 30 years ago, lives in Darlinghurst, works in Marrickville, where his studio is located, and has come to know the eastern suburbs with his first boutique in Woollahra, across the road from Centennial Park. “I love Sydney’s proximity,” he says. “You can have breakfast in Darlinghurst, have a swim on the bay, then catch up with colleagues in the late afternoon for a drink, all in different suburbs within a day.”