The runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week was literally abuzz with energy as Iordanes Spyridon Gogos’s Jordan Gogos joined forces with industry legend Akira Isogawa in a highly anticipated collaboration on Tuesday night.
The electrically charged atmosphere and enthusiastic cheering marked the magnitude of the occasion and distinguished the resulting show as the ultimate Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 23 (AAFW23) destination.
The collaboration between the two creative legends Gogos and Isogawa encompassed a mix of elements, combining a nightclub vibe, performance art, installation art, and a powerful statement on fashion as a whole.
Despite their own unique niches, ascending multidisciplinary artist Gogos and renowned Australian fashion designer Isogawa discovered a synchronicity that blurred the boundaries between their contrasting minds.
The show exemplified the fusion of the two extraordinary talents, with Gogos known for his “creatively chaotic runway spectacles” and Isogawa renowned for his serene designs that veil meticulous craftsmanship. This juxtaposition between two artists resulted in a moment of flawless harmony, showcasing the compatibility of their creative visions.
The Iodanes Spyridon Gogos x Akira Isogawa resort 24 collection comprised 40 couture pieces, representing a reimagining of Isogawa's 30-year career. Crafted from reclaimed textiles, these garments underwent a unique treatment known as compressing, which compacted fabric scraps to create new and distinctive patterns. The clothing seamlessly blended motifs from both designers, incorporating fun elements such as Teddy bear backpacks combined with richly textured dresses and coats. Through techniques like slashing, shredding, and layering, the designers transformed familiar garments into unfamiliar yet captivating creations. Upon closer inspection, one could truly appreciate how Gogos and Isogawa ingeniously distorted traditional designs into artfully warped and beautifully unrecognisable forms.
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Reflecting on the collaboration, Gogos expressed that working with Isogawa had been a learning curve that propelled his own work to new heights. He described his designs as more technical, industrial, and consumable, yet more creative than ever before, highlighting the transformative effect of their partnership.
The collaboration between Gogos and Isogawa fo AAFW 23 was a testament to the joyous spirit of fashion. Their shared appreciation for maximalism set the tone for the runway spectacular while their complementary visions and innate connection emotionally charged the presentation, set on a moody landscape adorned with multicoloured fabric scraps that evoked a sense of wonder. Gogos' innovative compressing technique elevated these scraps into textile art pieces, weighing over 1000 kilograms in total. Additionally, Gogos' iconic Trojan horses, adorned with hand-painted "Akira" motifs, added a touch of grandeur to the set.
A diverse cast of models, representing various ages, body types, and genders, brought the ISG x Akira story to life with captivating walks, exhibiting a wide range of dramatic silhouettes, from sultry sculpted minidresses to voluminous gowns and elaborate suit sets.
Gogos incorporated elements inspired by his Greek heritage, including his yiayia and pappou’s handwritings and artefacts from their home, weaving a personal narrative into the designs as renowned Greek melodies like Mikis Theodorakis's 'I Hartaeti' reverberated through the air to a captivated audience.
Gogos aimed to offer a fresh perspective on Isogawa's rich design history, infusing his own complementary vision. Isogawa's delicate materials harmonised with Gogos' compressed textiles, adding a softer touch to the collection. Additionally, Gogos incorporated elements inspired by his Greek heritage, including his yiayia and pappou’s handwritings and artefacts from their home, weaving a personal narrative into the designs as renowned Greek melodies like Mikis Theodorakis's 'I Hartaeti' reverberated through the air to a captivated audience.
Collaborators such as Julia Baldini, renowned for footwear, contributed their expertise to the collection. Other returning collaborators, including Jo Morton, Clair Parker, Brittany Wyper, Amy Baran, and NELL, added their unique touch to the collaborative pieces.
Collaborators such as Julia Baldini, renowned for footwear, contributed their expertise to the collection. Other returning collaborators, including Jo Morton, Clair Parker, Brittany Wyper, Amy Baran, and NELL, added their unique touch to the collaborative pieces.
Every detail of the presentation was meticulously thought out, from the sculptural hairstyles created by Redken's Richard Kavanagh to the range of makeup looks that spanned from stripped-back to bold, featuring wispy thread accents.
The underlying theme of the entire collaboration was finding the joy in fashion and in humanity. Gogos and Isogawa shared a profound respect for each other, evident in their genuine admiration and camaraderie. Their collaboration stood out in an industry often characterised by transactional relationships, embodying the true essence of creative synergy.
Gogos, who has himself experienced personal growth since his last runway, had a goal of motivating others through his determination. This intention was clearly demonstrated during the show's finale, where an operatic, club-style remix of "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music played - a choice symbolising the triumph and beauty that can be found beyond reaching one's perceived limits. Gogos wanted the audience to understand the significance of persevering through difficulties, encouraging them to pause, take a breath, and embrace new opportunities and chapters in their lives.
The collaboration between Jordan Gogos and Akira Isogawa at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week was an extraordinary showcase of shared vision and artistic prowess. Their combined efforts delivered a collection that celebrated the playful side of fashion, pushing boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for the craft - a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the boundless joy that fashion can bring.
Clearly overwhelmed and humbled by the resounding accolades, Gogos emotionally expressed his gratitude the morning following the show, saying simply, “Beyond words. Thank you for last night.”
