I believe there is Hope in Design.
Design evokes Surprise and Joy in people.
Issey Miyake
Issey Miyake, a visionary Japanese fashion designer, has carved a unique path in the world of fashion by seamlessly merging art and functionality. Renowned for his innovative approach, Miyake’s clothing designs are often likened to sculptures that fluidly cascade and mold around the body like water. His creations go beyond mere fashion, blurring the boundaries between clothing and art.
Miyake’s journey began with a transformative encounter with bridges designed by Isamu Noguchi, sparking his fascination with the interplay between design and functionality. He pioneered the concept of making clothing from “A Piece of Cloth,” meticulously studying threads and materials to craft innovative textiles that respond to the needs of modern life.
Miyake’s influence spans diverse clothing lines. In the 1970s and 1980s, he embarked on a journey of fabric experimentation, creating new textiles and clothing forms. The collaboration of his studio’s creative minds gave birth to unconventional materials and techniques. He bridged tradition with modernity, reviving traditional dyeing methods and combining them with cutting-edge technologies.
The 1980s witnessed Miyake’s exploration of unconventional materials such as plastic, paper, and wire, resulting in his “Body Works” collection. He also introduced the brand Plantation, offering gender-neutral clothing that embraces simplicity and versatility. His pursuit of innovation led to the birth of the iconic PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE line in 1993, focusing on practicality and elegance.
Miyake’s partnership with photographer Irving Penn marked another milestone. Their silent collaboration resulted in dynamic interpretations of his creations, compiling over 250 photographs in seven books. Miyake’s ethos transcends genres, earning him recognition alongside influential figures.
In the 21st century, Miyake’s innovation continued with projects like A-POC and the HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE collection. His endeavors expanded beyond fashion, including founding the Miyake Issey Foundation and 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT to inspire future generations. Miyake’s legacy exemplifies fashion as an art form in perpetual evolution. His designs, akin to sculptures in motion, intertwine tradition and technology, resulting in wearable masterpieces that celebrate the fusion of art and practicality. In a world where fashion often fades, Issey Miyake’s creations flow eternally, a testament to his ability to sculpt cloth into enduring works of wearable art.
ISSEY MIYAKE
‘ma-unfilled space
Ever since his inaugural collection in 1971, designer Issey Miyake’s label, ISSEY MIYAKE, has crafted clothing that delves into the interplay between the body and fabric. This exploration, rooted in the “ma” (unfilled space) concept, exemplifies the brand’s dedication to the idea of clothing as a piece of cloth, transcending Western and Eastern design norms. The brand remains committed to researching and creating original fabrics by starting with yarn development, ensuring a timeless and universally relevant approach to clothing design.
132.5 BY ISSEY MIYAKE
one piece of fabric, a three-dimensional shape reduced to two, and the fifth dimension
Japanese designer Issey Miyake, known for his fashion innovation, introduced the 132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE project at Galerie Kreo in Paris. The concept involves transforming a single piece of fabric into multi-faceted garments using origami-like folds, embracing sustainability by employing recycled plastic bottle fabrics. Collaborating with computer scientist Jun Mitani, Miyake reconfigured complex 3D forms into manageable 2D shapes, which unfold into angular tubes that can be worn as dresses or skirts. Invisible snaps add versatility, allowing wearers to modify garment shapes temporarily. This collection resonates with Miyake’s earlier works, including Pleats Please and A-POC, showcasing his ongoing exploration of innovative, eco-friendly fashion.