Our founders

JULIA SMITH is an international designer, specialised in branding and marketing in the luxury business. 

Julia was born and grew up on the Isle of Wight  an island situated off the south coast of England famed for its natural beauty and sustainability.  Julia studied art, design and marketing at Portsmouth and Kingston Universities, U.K.

Her British heritage and creative talents lead her around the world where she worked in the fashion capitals of London, New York, Milan and Tokyo. Her professional experience at Whistles, Baron de Sainte Fare and Trussardi has included head designer of prêt-a porter, bags, accessories and haute couture Julia also has an in-depth knowledge and expertise in product creation. She was also in charge of the development of the Japanese licence business for Trussardi.

Julia acquired her major influence in Japan at ITOCHU where she worked as design co-ordinator and in addition developed her appreciation and knowledge of Japanese design ( a sense of proportion, sobriety, a refined elegance and purity of form ). Julia acquired a specialised knowledge of the Japanese market and cross-cultural business, working closely with Italian and international brands. 

Julia was selected  by  L.V.M.H. to lead the Givenchy team in Paris and she was relocated to France where she now lives. 

As well as an international market  and business expertise, Julia  also has extensive professional experience in creative direction, press, communication, e-commerce and digital marketing. 

Julia speaks fluent English, French and Italian as well as having taken Japanese language courses at the Bocconi University. 

Julia’s international experience and her passion for Japanese culture, design and the art world has led her to become the  co-founder of  ISAI

KOTARO TAKAHASHI is a business owner and CEO in Japan.

Kotaro was born in Kyoto, Japan, where he studied and then completed a degree course at University in the U.K.

Kotaro has a long and successful career at ITOCHU Corporation. He was head of different corporate sections of the trading company ITOCHU and in charge of the development of Italian brands in Japan.
Kotaro’s career at ITOCHU continued for over twenty years until he took over the reins of his father’s company KOWA SHOJI as CEO which is specialised in the textile and shirting business. The company imports and creates collections for the Japanese market where he has an extensive knowledge.

Part of the ITOCHU worldwide network, he also has had business experience in other countries including the UK, France and Italy. His company has offices in Tokyo and Osaka where he is based.

He speaks fluent Japanese, English, Italian and his other languages include French.

Kotaro was the catalyst for the creation of ISAI.