Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake was a Japanese fashion designer whose name is synonymous with innovation, technology, and timeless style. Born in Hiroshima in 1938, Miyake studied graphic design before moving into fashion, attending Tokyo’s Tama Art University and later honing his skills in Paris and New York. His diverse background allowed him to approach clothing design as a fusion of art, technology, and function.

Miyake’s design philosophy centered on creating clothing that was both beautiful and practical, bridging the gap between avant-garde artistry and everyday wear. He became internationally renowned for his Pleats Please line, introduced in 1993, which featured garments made from high-quality polyester permanently pleated using a heat-pressing technique. This innovation allowed for lightweight, wrinkle-resistant clothing that was easy to care for and travel with, without sacrificing elegance.

Beyond pleats, Miyake was a pioneer in garment technology. His A-POC (A Piece of Cloth) concept, developed with Dai Fujiwara in the late 1990s, revolutionized the way garments were made. Using computer programming and industrial knitting machines, Miyake could create entire outfits from a single piece of fabric, reducing waste and increasing production efficiency — an early nod to sustainable fashion practices.

Miyake also had a deep appreciation for collaboration and cross-disciplinary work. His studios brought together engineers, textile scientists, and traditional artisans to develop new fabrics and techniques. While rooted in Japanese design traditions, his work carried a universal appeal, blending minimalism with structural experimentation.

One of Miyake’s most iconic moments in popular culture came through his creation of the black turtleneck worn by Steve Jobs. Jobs’ adoption of Miyake’s uniform reflected the designer’s ethos: clothes that were simple, functional, and timeless.

Miyake’s influence extends beyond clothing into fragrance with his world-famous L’Eau d’Issey perfume, launched in 1992. The scent’s clean, aquatic notes mirrored his fashion’s purity and minimalism.

Issey Miyake passed away in 2022, but his legacy lives on through the Issey Miyake Inc. brand, which continues to innovate under new creative leadership. His commitment to combining technology, craft, and functionality cemented him as one of the most important figures in modern fashion history.