The Concept Behind Issey Miyake
Issey Miyake is a Japanese designer renowned around the world for his futuristic and industrial inspired designs. Born in Hiroshima, he survived the atomic bomb disaster, in which his mother died, when he was 7.
He quickly developed a unique creative process, after studying graphic design in Japan, studying haute couture in Paris, as well as working in a ready-to-wear in New York. Returning to Japan in the 1970s, Miyake developed his own trademark; a concept of ‘one piece of cloth’. Decades later, the brand now has over 200 stores around the world.
The beginning of Issey Miyake
In 1970, Miyake established the Miyake Design Studio which became a producer of high-end womenswear. His design process explores the simple relationship between the body and the fabric that covers it. This led him to create a number of new fabrics through the 70s. What’s more, he also brought outdated methods like dyeing and weaving back to life through his creations.
Issey Miyake understood issues like sustainability before they became a mainstream trend, which just goes to show how far ahead of the curve he’s been over the years. In 2016, the National Arts Centre in Tokyo opened an Issey Miyake exhibition to showcase his work over the last half a century. At the opening of the exhibition, Miyake was presented with the Legion of Honour Commander cross; something that was also awarded to Karl Lagerfeld.
Issey Miyake’s Creations
Miyake began creating fashion that served a purpose, with timeless and relevant designs that were often created from simple fabrics. Traditional methods were used in modern ways, with an evolved sense of style that is unique to the Miyake brand.
His brands now include a plethora of concepts, including the viral Bao Bao bags, menswear, watches, sunglasses and fragrances. The first fragrance was released as early as 1992, which bottled the very essence of the fashion house.
Issey Miyake’s fragrance line took inspiration from one of the most common and pure materials in the world; water. Miyake saw water as the starting point for his first fragrance, L’Eau d’Issey. Inspired by nature and contemporary life, Miyake fragrances bring new scents to the perfume world using familiar smells used in new ways; just like his clothing designs.
Over the years, Issey Miyake has won countless awards across the world; including Japan, France, UK, Spain, USA and Canada. Establishing his place in the fashion and accessories industries, Miyake also created the Miyake Issey Foundation, which was certified in 2004. Designed to promote and cultivate a creative design culture, the foundation aims to inspire the next generation of designers.
You can buy the full range of Issey Miyake fragrances online today.
