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 15 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 Federation of Image Professionals International (FIPI). 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 Federation of Image Professionals International (MFIPI) and worked as the Finance Director of the FIPI Executive Board in 2010. 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 Switzerland)

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 

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.

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.

Japan

Eiko Kitamura (Osaka)

When I started to wonder why my salmon pink jumper didn't suit me, that was when I started to get interested in what colours can do for you. Having qualified as an image consultant at Talking Image, I now offer colour advice as part of grooming for staff at one of the prestigious hotels in Osaka. By knowing your best colours and style, I want the men to look even more attractive and women more beautiful. I'd like to increase the number of people walking tall and with confidence. That is what I aim for.

blog: http://ameblo.jp/kirakiracolorful/ *It is currently in Japanese but will be written in English in due course.

Takehiko Yamada of (Shiga) 

Owner of days hair. Takehiko works actively around the world as well as in Japan. With his vast experience, he has been involved in creating TV commercials and album covers and has worked as a hairstylist for many celebrities in Japan.   His aim now is 'to bring out the beauty of every person', making use of his skills in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. He holds "Take Beauty art" workshops and hair shows in and out of Japan. Also qualified as an image consultant, he can do wonders for you in every aspect.

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.

Switzerland

Pilar Sebastian (Zurich)
Pilar is originally from Barcelona. Before relocating to Switzerland, she has　lived in London for over 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.  

For booking appointments or enquiries, please contact Toshiko:

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