His parents are traditional so when it emerged that Isogawa was to be a designer, he and his father did not speak to each other for months.

Isogawa said, ''(My parents) thought I was being very rebellious. They didn't like it.''

But, now that Isogawa's name is widely recognised and he has twice-yearly showings in Paris and has even appeared on a postage stamp, ''my father is actually happy for me''.

''I was very emotional when he told me, 'Akira, you're doing really well.'''

Isogawa was in Canberra on Friday to be part of the Silk and Bamboo presentation at the National Film and Sound Archive. The evening featured Isogawa's kimono-inspired spring-summer '09 collection projected on to silk screens and also featured Dress Code, his collaboration with Japanese interior designer Fukotoshi Ueno.

Isogawa's designs were digitally printed on to Ueno's minimalist furniture.

The pieces were unveiled in Canberra and will be on show at the Art Gallery of NSW from December 12 until February 22.

Isogawa draws inspiration from kimonos because of the textiles' beauty. Although he has lived in Australia since he was 21, Isogawa still takes many of his aesthetic cues from his homeland.

''When you are young, you absorb all your influences and inspirations. I am grateful for that, for having been in touch with true Japanese culture when I grew up.''

Isogawa has previously visited Canberra to see shows at the National Gallery of Australia such as the Vivienne Westwood retrospective. He counts himself among the fashion doyenne's fans.

''I respect her creativity and achievement,'' he said.

He also admires Japanese designers such as Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons.