Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake, a name synonymous with innovative fashion, was founded by the eponymous Japanese designer in 1970. Miyake’s brand quickly distinguished itself through its fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Born in Hiroshima in 1938, Issey Miyake graduated from Tama Art University in Tokyo in 1964, prior to working with renowned designers Guy Laroche and Hubert de Givenchy in Paris, which enriched his avant-garde design perspective.

One of Miyake's most influential contributions to fashion history is his pioneering work with pleats. The 1980s saw the introduction of his revolutionary Pleats Please line, which utilized a heat press process to pleat fabric after garments were cut and sewn, an innovation that not only reinvented pleated clothing but also made maintenance easier, as the garments were lightweight and wrinkle-resistant.

In 1993, Miyake introduced the A-POC (A Piece of Cloth) concept, a collaboration with artist Dai Fujiwara. This groundbreaking approach used computer technology to produce clothing from a single tube of fabric, minimizing waste and allowing consumers to personalize their garments. This harmony of art, technology, and sustainability marked a significant development in the world of fashion design.

Beyond his clothing lines, Miyake made a notable venture into the fragrance industry. In 1992, the brand launched its first perfume, L'Eau d'Issey, a scent inspired by water, which became an enduring classic. Its success solidified Miyake's influence beyond fashion into the world of fragrances.

Issey Miyake's impact on fashion also extends to his innovative use of materials. His continual experimentation with textiles led to the development of unconventional fabrics such as paper, plastic, and metal threads, pushing boundaries and redefining the possibilities of material in fashion.