Nanako Sugi arrived in Australia on October 2019.
"I hated myself for having lived my life relying on others" Nanako tells SBS Japanese.
Nanako wanted to challenge herself in a foreign country, where she did not speak the language.
In Japan, Nanako studied fashion, and worked as a pattern maker, but she did not bring a single tool when she arrived in Australia.
"To be honest, I didn't want to do fashion" says Nanako, who worked in hospitality for few months, until the COVID pandemic hit in 2020.
Like many others on working holiday and student visa, Nanako lost her job.
When Nanako heard from a friend, about working for Australia's leading fashion designer, Akira Isogawa as an intern, something changed in her. She decided to take the resume directly to the studio, where she was warmly welcomed by Akira.
After completing her internship, Nanako is now working as an assistant, doing pattern making, as well as many other processes, which she says is a rare and valuable opportunity.
"Mr Isogawa is very kind, considerate, friendly, and easy to talk to" says Nanako. No matter how trivial the matter maybe, "he is always attentive and give careful advices" she continues.
"He is curious, and will pursue any matter that comes to his attention. He is quick to make action, and that is why he has found success not just in Australia but also internationally as well. I respect him very much"
Nanako, who had aspired to become a pattern maker in Japan, had her horizon widen under the guidance of Akira Isogawa Source: Nanako Sugi
In Australia, "anything is allowed in fashion" says Nanako.
"In Japan, I was always worried about trends, often disposing items just after one season. Here, I dress however I want, and I love myself for it"
Although Nanako hated herself for always relying on others, the freedom Australia has given her, and the influence and inspiration received from Akira has opened her eyes and made her realize that it is in fact, "a strength".
Nanako hopes to one day become world-class designer like Akira, who too arrived in Australia as a working holiday maker, debuting at the inaugural Australian Fashion week.
This year's Australian Fashion Week will be held at Sydney's Carriageworks from May 9 to May 13. For the first time in event's history, some of the events will be open to the public. For more information click here.
To listen to the full interview in Japanese, click below
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm
