About Talking Image & Consultants

Talking Image is a London-based image consultancy and training provider founded and managed by Toshiko Kobatake.

Toshiko was born in Tokyo, raised in Los Angeles, California for 10 years and has lived in London for the past 14 years. Living in different environments has helped her immensely to develop a sensitive eye to fashion and culture.

She graduated from Keio University in Japan and has worked as a foreign exchange customer dealer in major financial institutions around the world. Her first assignment in London was with UBS, after having worked with Citibank in Japan for many years. Having acquired excellent marketing skills, she decided to take on more challenges and work with Fuji Bank and Mizuho Corporate Bank where she used her Japanese language skills and cultural awareness to market FX to Japanese corporate clients operating globally. 

In 1999, she decided to pursue a career in which she had always been fascinated-fashion. Always intrigued by the way the industry worked, she was particularly interested in the relationship of image to fashion. After studying at the London College of Fashion, she trained and qualified as an image consultant with a recommended training provider of The Federation of Image Consultants (TFIC), currently trading under the name of International Federation of Image Consultants (IFIC). As a qualified image consultant, she provided personal consultations to individual clients building up the client base from her banking career. In 2003, Toshiko started her own image consultancy company, Toshiko Image Consultancy International, which has now been renamed Talking Image.

Having certified as an image consultancy trainer in 2005, holding the TFIC/City and Guilds Joint Award in Image Consultancy, Toshiko has added the training course to the many other services she offers that have helped so many women and men in all walks of life. She has also run training at another training provider in London.

Toshiko is a Master of the International Federation of Image Consultants (MIFIC) and is the Finance Director of the IFIC Executive Board. She is also an associate member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI), a member of Fashion Group International and is recognised as Competent Communicator of Toastmasters International, a public speaking organisation.

Talking Image Consultants 

Here are some of our consultants who are actively operating in the UK and abroad. They are all certified image consultants who have trained with Talking Image.

UK

Belinda Ch'ng-Bruh of (London)

Belinda graduated as a fashion designer in London and had great success with her collections across Europe, which also included jewellery and accessories. With such great flair for style and design, she is the perfect stylist to guide you through your lifestyle with ease and grace.

Belinda's Testimonial 

Efy Dionisiou of  (London)

After studying fashion design and merchandising, Efy ran her family business in fashion wholesale and retail for 15 years. Having years of experience, Efy offers expert advice with an honest and personal opinion, so the client leaves with confidence and satisfied having found their inner self.

Efy's Testimonial

Eylem Altuncevahir of (London and Home Counties)

Eylem provides valuable feedback and advise to a wide variety of clients - keeping her focus on making her clients look and feel their very best. It is all about making the most of what we have.

Eylem's Testimonial 

Helena Kim of  (London)

Helena is from South Korea and has studied and worked there, as well as in France and England. She has a background in fashion and has studied at London College of Fashion and Kingston College. Having earned her image consultancy qualification at Talking Image, she has launched Surrey-based first look Image.

Kyle Whittington (London)

From the world of luxury fashion retail and training with Talking Image, Kyle has launched "Julien Whittington", where he offers his unique "Style PA" service. Kyle has also branched out into the world of interiors and offers unique upholstery and lampshading bespoke services. He has also worked on magazine shoots with some of London's top hair salons. Kyle's aim is to offer an all round stylistic service for you and your home.

Pilar Sebastian (London)
Originally from Barcelona, Pilar has been living in London for the last ten years while gaining extensive international experience through a global career and lifelong interest in fashion and styling. This combined with a warm and personal approach will guarantee you always look your best.

Tazeen Ahmad (London)

Tazeen understands the importance of image and style through her work as a presenter on TV. She has also worked in finance and fashion and has an international background. She has taken clients shopping in New York, Paris, Mumbai and Istanbul. She can help each client create a successful image for themselves.

Tazeen's testimonial

Terri-lee Cranfield (London)

As a trained singer and performer, Terri-lee realised the importance of image and style at a young age. She has always had to look the part to get the part! Terri-lee will transform your look so you can feel great and get what you want out of life!

Cyprus

Demetris Stylianides of  (Greece and Cyprus)

Create sustainable success in all areas of your life/business and set goals based on your values and beliefs and achieve them. Thinkbox, the first Coaching and NLP organization in Greece and Cyprus founded by Branding, Executive Coach and Certified NLP Trainer Demetris Stylianides, provides practical courses, workshops and certification training using Neuro Linguistic Programming.

Dubai

Julie Price (Dubai and London)

"Throughout my 25 year career in the image industry, my greatest assets, professional honesty and integrity, have given me a loyal following. Today, I offer a personal bespoke service to every client: women, men, small businesses, mums-to-be, bride and grooms, wedding parties plus personal guided shopping trips in Dubai and London."

Germany

Rachel Moss of  (Germany)

After pursuing a successful photographic and modelling career for the last 15 years, and working on media and TV events in London and overseas, Rachel set up "Address" Image Consultancy where she styles, advises and shops for clients ranging from Managing Directors, actors, film TV producers and models.

Poland

Helena Grzegolowska-Klarkowska of  (Poland)

Scottish born and bred, Helena lives in Poland. Wishing to crown a successful academic career as a personality psychologist and an equally productive career as a scientific translator, she received her certificate in image consulting from Talking Image and launched an image consultancy for gentlemen. Drawing on her unique background, she specialises in the classic British image. As a psychologist, she can also offer assistance with image problems.

For booking appointments or enquiries, please contact Toshiko:

Tel/Fax: +44 (0)20 7476 4445