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CONTENTS
3. KEY TAKEAWAY
ISSEY’s Masterpieces
We can’t move forward without mentioning this iconic figure.
Let’s start by exploring some of his masterpieces.
1. PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE
2. Homme Plissé ISSEY MIYAKE
3. BAO BAO
4.Wind Coat
5. Parachute Jacket
Why is he held in such high regard?
Creating a New Standard in Fashion
If you’ve ever worn Pleats Please clothing, you might understand. They are incredibly lightweight, stretchy, comfortable, and don’t take up much space in your closet.
Yet, they effortlessly match any outfit, and they’re simply beautiful.
Issey’s designs are a meticulous blend of functionality and aesthetics. His mission was to create “everyday wear” for contemporary living.
When you hear “everyday wear,” what comes to mind?
You might think of denim, t-shirts, sneakers, and the like.
Well, Issey dedicated his life to crafting “new classic garments” that anyone, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background, could wear in their daily lives.
Imagine creating such pieces from scratch – beautiful, functional, and suitable for everyone.
He didn’t just imagine it; he made it happen.
Issey brought this vision to life with designs like PLEATS PLEASE and HOMME PLISSE, known for their pleated patterns.
…Isn’t that incredible?
What’s even more amazing is that people still love and cherish his creations to this day.
Issey Miyake, undoubtedly, is a legend.
So, how did he manage to create a new classic garment for humanity?
The Concept of ‘A Single Piece of Cloth’ and Unyielding Research Spirit
Issey believed that clothing, much like traditional Indian saris or Japanese kimonos, should drape the body with a single piece of cloth – a universal idea for all of humanity.
But there’s a catch: molding a single piece of cloth to fit the curves of the body is quite the challenge.
In Western tailoring, garments typically have three-dimensional patterns that conform to the body’s lines.
But here’s where it gets fascinating: Issey zoomed in on the “space between clothing and the body” that you don’t expect.
He brilliantly used this space to craft single-piece garments with three-dimensional, stunning silhouettes.
This insight truly showcases his exceptional sense, which isn’t something everyone possesses, to say the least.
But the story doesn’t stop there. What’s even more remarkable is that, in order to transform a flat piece of cloth into a three-dimensional garment, He started right from a single thread, diving deep into material development.
It was this tireless research and curiosity that gave birth to the design revolution known as “PLEATS PLEASE,” which can undoubtedly be considered a historic milestone.
Issey understood the enormous effort and challenges of material development, and he strongly emphasized preserving and passing down Japan’s traditional craftsmanship.
In ISSEY MIYAKE MEN, he incorporated artisan techniques known as “shime” , “kasuri” and “shibori” into the collections.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Issey Miyake’s influence on the fashion world can’t be overstated.
He didn’t just design clothes; he introduced a whole new perspective, emphasizing the artistic dimension of crafting garments that genuinely connect with people’s lives. This unique approach left an indelible mark on later designers like CHITOSE ABE from sacai and JUNYA WATANABE, and it undeniably played a vital role in shaping the foundation of Japan’s fashion industry.
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