Issey Miyake
Japanese designer, Issey Miyake established his brand in New York in 1971. The design concept for each collection centres around the notion of ‘A Piece of Cloth’ and the relationship between fabric and the human body. Issey Miyake pays homage to the traditional skills of making, as well as looking to improve the making process by working with advanced technologies that not only eliminate labour and resources but have less impact on the environment. Throughout the designer’s career he has experimented with unique materials such as synthetic resins, bamboo, wire, and plastic. Issey Miyake also researched technologies to create new materials, such as the signature Pleats Please garments that incorporate heat pressed pleats. The sustainable and innovative practices the designer has developed throughout his career is highlighted through vintage Issey Miyake pieces, and also remain prevalent in the brand’s ethos today.