With the design team at Issey Miyake finding their footing – this is their second season – for winter 2012 they continued to explore function, comfort and practicality, and did with a new sense of confidence and vision.
‘Kasane’ meaning to layer is an ancient idea in Japanese design and was the catalyst behind the Issey Miyake Men collection. The concept, inspired by experiences in every day living, informs design to be practical and functional and the Miyake design team applied this approach to their textiles processes.
Clothes created by layering two pieces of cloth together and over-dying fabrics created optical illusions on the garments. Round-shouldered shirting constructed from pleats in bold block colours were worn over relaxed baggy pants and certified the success of the Miyake aesthetic – one that is gentle and devoid of restriction.
Original fabrications and relaxed silhouettes have always defined the Miyake brand and the design team (all five of them took a bow at the end of the show) are following this well-defined path. The collection is a refreshing alternative to the formal suiting that currently defining menswear and will sit well with the current Miyake customer.