Famed Japanese fashion designer, Issey Miyake has died at 84 years old.
Miyake was a respected designer and well-known for his iconic perfectly fit turtlenecks (famously exclusively worn by Steve Jobs), his use of experimental fabrics and designs, and of course his pleats. Miyake leaves behind an undeniable legacy in his designs as well as his philosophies on fashion after over 50 years in the industry.
Miyake’s design career began at Tokyo’s Tama Art University where he studied graphic design. From one fashion capital to the other, Miyake moved to Paris and enrolled at École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in 1965.
In Paris, Miyake worked under famed designers, Guy Laroche and Hubert de Givenchy. Miyake then moved to New York to work under Geoffrey Beene.
In 1970, Miyake returned to Tokyo (where the first Issey Miyake studio was opened) and soon after debuted on the Paris Fashion Week schedule in 1973.
In the 1980s, Miyake designed and debuted his signature pleated fabric – well known for its myriad of intricate folds, delicately crafted by Miyake who studied 1900s fabrics and techniques.
Miyake’s designs spoke for themselves in their uniqueness and Issey’s dedication to crafting quality pieces of wearable art. Appreciators and fans of the designs built up a cult following, making Issey’s pieces instant collector’s pieces, in high demand even to this day.
Issey once said;
“I do not create a fashionable aesthetic… I create a style based on life.”
The style Miyake created imitated life itself and his legacy will forever live on.
The designer’s family and close friends held a private funeral and will not hold a memorial ceremony.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest for more Music, Entertainment, and Fashion!
