For decades, Miyake has captivated audiences around the world with innovation, creativity, and boundary-pushing design, his visionary approach to clothing, blurring the lines between fashion and art while redefining the very essence of garment construction.

Born in Hiroshima, Japan, in 1938, Issey Miyake’s journey to becoming a fashion icon was shaped by his early experiences with the devastation of World War II and his exposure to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. After studying graphic design at Tama Art University in Tokyo and later fashion design at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris, Miyake embarked on a career that would revolutionize the industry.

Miyake’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that clothing should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional and innovative. Throughout his career, he has pushed the boundaries of textile technology, experimenting with new materials and techniques to create garments that are at once sculptural, architectural, and incredibly wearable.

One of Miyake’s most iconic innovations is his use of pleats. Inspired by the flexibility and versatility of origami, Miyake developed a technique for permanently pleating fabric, resulting in garments that are both fluid and structured. His Pleats Please collection, introduced in the late 1980s, became an instant sensation, offering a range of garments that were wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and effortlessly chic.

But Miyake’s creativity knows no bounds; he has continued to push the envelope with his exploration of new materials and technologies. His A-POC (A Piece of Cloth) collection, launched in the late 1990s, challenged the traditional notions of garment construction by presenting garments as a single piece of fabric that could be cut and customized by the wearer. This groundbreaking approach not only revolutionized the way we think about clothing but also empowered individuals to engage with fashion in a more personal and meaningful way.

In addition to his pioneering work in fashion, Miyake has also explored the intersection of fashion and technology through collaborations with artists, architects, and engineers. His groundbreaking collaborations with the likes of Dai Fujiwara, Yasumasa Morimura, and Tokujin Yoshioka have resulted in immersive exhibitions, interactive installations, and avant-garde fashion shows that blur the boundaries between art and fashion.

As we reflect on the legacy of Issey Miyake, one thing becomes clear: his impact on the fashion world is as profound as it is enduring. Through his relentless pursuit of innovation, creativity, and excellence, Miyake has not only reshaped the way we think about clothing but also challenged us to reimagine the possibilities of design. As we look to the future, we can only imagine what new frontiers Miyake will explore and what groundbreaking creations he will unveil.

Giulia Avallone