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Issey Miyake

Japanese, 1938-2022

From the prismatic Pleats Please collection to the modular, three-dimensional garments crafted from recycled plastic bottles in his Reality Lab, the captivating fashions by Japanese designer Issey Miyake are all about movement.

Born in Hiroshima, Miyake studied graphic design at Tama Art University in Tokyo before relocating to Paris in 1965, where he studied couture and cut his teeth working for Guy Laroche and Hubert de Givenchy. In 1969, he moved to New York, where he worked for Geoffrey Beene. He returned to Tokyo in 1970 to found his first solo venture, the Miyake Design Studio. It wasn’t until the 1990s, though, that the designer had his breakthrough moment with experimentations in pleating. Some of his earliest explorations were for choreographer William Forsythe’s Frankfurt Ballet Company, with the 1991 performance of The Loss of Small Detail featuring costumes Miyake designed with pleats that complemented and transformed the movement of the dancers.

Though long a staple in couture — from delicate women’s skirts to men’s suit pants — pleats took on new life in Miyake’s hands. By using a heat press to cure his fabrics after his garments are stitched, Miyake was able to maintain the accordion structure of the pleat, turning a series of folds into sculptural, often futuristic forms unbound by the shape of the human body. In 1993, Miyake debuted “garment pleating” in his Pleats Please line, in which the clothes are constructed at a size that is larger than what is intended for the finished product. The pleats are then created — a process that involves folding and ironing and is separate from the joining of seams — and individual pieces are subsequently hand-fed into a heat press. The pleats are permanent and the garments can be worn and washed without losing their shape.

Miyake’s pleats run the gamut in scale, which enabled him to evoke dramatic, sharp silhouettes and flowy movements in equal measure. In essence, he created an entirely new material whose iterations are infinite — a feat of technology as much as fashion.

Other innovations include Miyake’s 1997 Just Before collection, which introduced a series of tube-knit dresses that could be cut as desired, reducing both work and resources. His Reality Lab now investigates new materials, such as a fully recycled polyester. Miyake’s prowess, in fact, captured another iconic figure in the tech world: Steve Jobs, for whom the designer made hundreds of identical black turtlenecks, the late Apple founder’s sartorial signature.

Find a collection of vintage Issey Miyake day dresses, jackets, shirts and other clothing on 1stDibs.

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Designer: Issey Miyake
Dealer: Jennifer Kobrin
1980's ISSEY MIYAKE white linen duster jacket and matching skirt
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Stunning white, linen duster jacket and matching skirt with knotted button closure and sheer triangular inserts designed by Issey Miyake dating to the 1980's. Jacket has a a very uni...
Category

1980s Hong Kong Issey Miyake

early 1980's Issey Miyake dark brown textured leather jacket
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Unusual, dark-brown, collarless, textured leather jacket with oversized shoulders and buckle closure designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Japanese size 'S' which best...
Category

1980s Hong Kong Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE unworn red leather mini skirt with oversized studs
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid red leather mini skirt with oversized gunmetal studs from Issey Miyake dating to the 1980's. Labeled a size medium however this skirt best fits a size small or medium. Approxim...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Issey Miyake

1984 ISSEY MIYAKE oversized off-the shoulder runway sweater
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Oversized vertically seamed, off-the shoulder sweater from Issey Miyake exactly as seen on the spring 1984 runway. Labeled a size 'M'. Approximate measurement at bust fully extended...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

early 1980's ISSEY MIYAKE block printed mini skirt with asymmetrical flounce
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Vivid, abstract-block printed, cotton-blend mini skirt with high waist and asymmetrical side flounce from Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Labeled a size 8 however this would...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1984 ISSEY MIYAKE alpaca and linen RUNWAY coat with horn toggle closure.
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Brown alpaca and linen coat with leather and horn toggle closure designed by Issey Miyake dating to the 1984 as seen on the runway. Has a beautiful draped fit around the high hip are...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1990's ISSEY MIYAKE navy blue jacket and skirt with top-stitching
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Navy blue jacket and matching skirt with topstitched detail from Issey Miyake dating to the 1990's. Size 'S'. Approximate measurements for jacket: bus...
Category

1990s Japanese Issey Miyake

1981 ISSEY MIYAKE black wool draped wrap RUNWAY coat with hood
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Black wool coat with a draped hood and low waist tie designed by Issey Miyake dating to the 1981 exactly as seen worn by Iman on the runway. Coat has a very unique cut to it. Size 'M...
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1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1987 ISSEY MIYAKE semi-sheer draped tunic RUNWAY sweater
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare and unique semi-sheer, draped knit sweater in black and burgundy from Issey Miyake dating to fall of 1987 exactly as seen on the runway. The burgundy portions are sheer an...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1970's ISSEY MIYAKE knit sweater coat
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, heathered grey and off-white knit poncho cape coat designed by Issey Miyake dating to the 1970's. Size S however this fits many sizes due to the loose cut. Ties at neck. F...
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1970s Japanese Issey Miyake

1982 ISSEY MIYAKE African Samurai style tunic in woven mudcloth
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, African Samurai-style tunic in woven mudcloth fabric designed by Issey Miyake dating to 1982 exactly as seen on the Fall runway. Size 'M'. Approximate measurements: 22" d...
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1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE draped striped linen skirt
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Khaki and terracotta striped skirt with draped closure designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Labeled a Japanese size '9'. The skirt measures approximately 28" at wai...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE draped linen jacket with unique button closure
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Draped, grey linen jacket with unique khaki button closure designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Sizing is flexible with the due to the ...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE ribbed tunic dress with dolman sleeves
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Ribbed tunic or dress with dolman sleeves designed by Issey Miyake. Labeled a size medium. Approximate measurements (unstretched): bust 44", hips 35.25" and length 34". Material is v...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1985 ISSEY MIYAKE charcoal draped sweater
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare and unique draped knit sweater in charcoal/black from Issey Miyake dating to the spring of 1985. Many similar versions were seen on the Miyake Spring 1985...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1989 ISSEY MIYAKE black and bright blue knit summer RUNWAY dress
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very comfortable jet black and bright blue dress from Issey Miyake dating to spring of 1989 as seen on the runway. Labeled a size M, although the siz...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake documented space dyed knit dress, 1974
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, blue-grey space dyed knit dress designed by Issey Miyake dating to fall of 1974 as documented in 'Issey Miyake: East Meets West'. Labeled a Japan...
Category

1970s Japanese Issey Miyake

1990's ISSEY MIYAKE iridescent burgundy draped collar suit
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very unique iridescent burgundy suit with dramatic draped collar from Issey Miyake dating to the 1990's. Size M. Approximate measurements for jacket: sho...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE blue and white striped cotton shirt with draped neckline
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Blue and white striped cotton shirt with draped neckline and asymmetrical button closure designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Labeled a size 'S', however this shirt f...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

early 1980's ISSEY MIYAKE terra cotta draped cotton dress
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very unique, slightly padded cotton dress with draped neckline and back. No size indicated however this is best for a XS or S. Approximate measurements: shoulders 22" bust 36" (as bu...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1986 ISSEY MIYAKE black circular Ikat woven cotton RUNWAY day dress
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Soft black and off-white circular Ikat printed cotton dress from Issey Miyake dating to 1986. A very similar dress was featured on the spring 1986 Miyake runway. Dress best fits a ...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1990's ISSEY MIYAKE black wool & cashmere jacket with origami collar
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black, lightweight wool and cashmere jacket with unique origami collar designed by Issey Miyake dating to the 1990's. Slight dolman sleeve shape. Miyake size 4, which fits a US 6...
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Late 20th Century Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE oversized sweater
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, geometric knit sweater with dolman sleeves designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Sweater features several different knitting techniques. Labeled a size M. A...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE PLANTATION linen jacket with knotted fabric buttons
By Plantation, Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Oversized, flax colored, linen jacket with knotted fabric buttons designed by Issey Miyake for Plantation dating to the 1980's. Jacket is labeled a size 'M' however it has an oversiz...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1982 ISSEY MIYAKE oversized RUNWAY sweater
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, geometric knit sweater designed by Issey Miyake as seen on the fall 1982 runway. Sweater features several different knitting techniques. Labeled a size M. Approximate meas...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

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John Galliano black wool gabardine coat, ss 1996
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A John Galliano wool coat, spring-summer 1996 ‘L’École de Danse’. This sophisticated calf length coat is crafted from black wool gabardine, which gives ...
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Thierry Mugler monogram denim jacket, c. 1998
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A Thierry Mugler Monogrammed Denim Jacket, circa 1998. This garment is one of very few pieces that feature the Thierry Mugler monogram. Additional to the monogram, another iconic des...
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Issey Miyake 1990s Blue Bubble Skirt
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The Issey Miyake 1990s Blue Bubble Skirt is a vintage piece that showcases the brand's innovative approach to textiles and design. This mid-length pencil skirt features a distinctive...
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Vivienne Westwood blue and red striped skirt, blouse and tie ensemble ss 1996
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John Galliano SS-2011 Wool Ruffled Hem Knee Length Skirt
By John Galliano
Located in Brussels, BE
The genius of John Galliano was his ability to make even the most traditional shapes alluring and seductive, adding his own personal twist to classical dressing. This stylish knee le...
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2010s French Issey Miyake

Previously Available Items
1980's ISSEY MIYAKE PLANTATION charcoal wool coat with scarf
By Issey Miyake Plantation, Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Deep charcoal wool coat with removable draped scarf designed by Issey Miyake for Plantation dating to the 1980's. Size 'S' however it is a very oversized fit so it will fit many size...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE lightweight striped cotton jacket
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very lightweight striped cotton jacket with asymmetrical cut designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. No size is indicated however this will fit many sizes due to the ove...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE slate grey hooded windcoat
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Iconic slate grey 'WINDCOAT' with hood designed by Issey Miyake dating to the 1980's. Size 'S'. Fits many sizes due to the oversized cut. Approximately 47' in length. Pockets at hips. Button front...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1989 ISSEY MIYAKE runway jacket with 'zipper' buttons
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Unusual navy blue cropped jacket with pleated collar, angled pockets and 'zipper' buttons from Issey Miyake dating to spring of 1989 as seen on the runway. Labeled a size small. Made...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE grey draped sweater top
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare and unique grey draped knit sweater top designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Labeled a size '8'. Approximate measurements (unstretched): bust 42", hem width 36" and overall length from center back 26". Very soft knit...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE tan cotton shirt with draped neckline
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Tan cotton shirt with draped neckline and asymmetrical button closure designed by Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. There is no size indicated h...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1970's ISSEY MIYAKE black ultrasuede gown with plunging neckline and low back
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, soft-black ultrasuede gown with low back, plunging neckline and contoured bodice from Issey Miyake dating to the late 1970's. Dress is labeled a size 8, however it best fi...
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1970s Japanese Issey Miyake

1986 ISSEY MIYAKE high waisted wool RUNWAY skirt
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Grey and black abstract woven wool skirt with very high waist designed by Issey Miyake dating to the fall of 1986 exactly as seen on the runway. Labeled a size 6. Approximate measure...
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1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1986 ISSEY MIYAKE silver bent wire RUNWAY art sunglasses
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Extremely rare art piece from Issey Miyake dating to spring of 1986 in the form of silver-toned bent wire 'sunglasses' with amber nose pads and removable rub...
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1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE boucle knit grey cocoon sweater coat
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Grey boucle knit, cocoon style sweater coat designed by Issey Miyake dating to the 1980's. No size is indicated however this will fit many sizes to to the oversized cut. Unlined. Poc...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

1977 ISSEY MIYAKE 'Paradise Lost' silk kimono top with print by TADANORI YOKOO
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, silk kimono top with front trim print and back panel print designed by Issey Miyake with artwork by Tadanori Yokoo as seen on the spring of 1977 ...
Category

1970s French Issey Miyake

1980's ISSEY MIYAKE charcoal black draped sweater
By Issey Miyake
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare and unique draped knit sweater in charcoal/black from Issey Miyake dating to the early 1980's. Size 'M'. Fabric content: 40% ramie, 30% cotton, 20% acrylic and 10% promix. ...
Category

1980s Japanese Issey Miyake

Issey Miyake fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Issey Miyake fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of blue, orange, red and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, and Rei Kawakubo appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Issey Miyake fashion from top boutiques around the world. Issey Miyake fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $74 and tops out at $48,798, while the average work can sell for $895.
Questions About Issey Miyake
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To pronounce Issey Miyake, say "I-see mee-AH-kee." The vowel in the first syllable of the first word sounds like the "I" in the word "Interview." Issey Miyake is both the name of a fashion brand and the Japanese designer who founded it. On 1stDibs, find a range of Issey Miyake apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To spot fake Issey Miyake clothing, examine the labels to ensure that the logo is in the correct font and that information printed on the sales tags and the labels matches. Because spotting counterfeits can be challenging, the brand advises customers to contact them directly with questions about authenticity. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Issey Miyake clothing on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How to tie an Issey Miyake caftan is largely a matter of personal preference. One of the selling points of the piece is that you can wear it a number of ways. Try styling it open as a cardigan or wrapping it around your body like a dress and tying it on the side or in the back. Shop a selection of Issey Miyake apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Issey Miyake features an official website where you can place an online order. You may also find Issey Miyake products sold online by a variety of its retail partners. Browse a range of authentic Issey Miyake pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Issey Miyake designs women's apparel with a distinctive contemporary style. Many of the brand's designs feature three-dimensional flourishes, such as dramatic pleats. Asymmetrical silhouettes and bold abstract prints are other common characteristics of the designer's looks. Shop a collection of Issey Miyake apparel on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To wash Issey Miyake Pleats Please apparel, follow the care instructions printed on the wash tag. For most pieces, launder in warm water in a washing machine. Use a laundry bag to prevent snagging. Remove the garment from the wash and reshape the pleats by hand. Then, allow it to dry flat in a shady ventilated area. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Issey Miyake apparel.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Issey Miyake Fete is a women’s fashion line by designer Issey Miyake that embraces bright colors and eye-catching silhouettes. It takes its inspiration from the French word fête, meaning party, festival or celebration. Shop a collection of Issey Miyake Fete pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    In the U.S., you will generally need to buy Issey Miyake through an authorized third-party brick-and-mortar retailer or on a reputable online platform. The brand-owned stores are only in Japan, and the official website does not sell directly to customers. You'll find a selection of Issey Miyake on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The line Pleats Please by Issey Miyake is crafted from polyester material that allows it to stay crisply pleated over time. Browse a range of authentic Pleats Please by Issey Miyake pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    You can buy the Bao Bao bag by Issey Miyake online from their official website. This eye-catching geometric-detailed bag can also be found online, sold by one of their retail partners. Find a range of Issey Miyake Bao Bao bags from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Yes, Issey Miyake is high-end. Since its founding in 1970 by designer Issey Miyake, the Japanese fashion brand has gained a reputation for using fine materials and producing pieces of exemplary quality. Issey Miyake is particularly well-known for offering apparel with unique embellishments like crisp pleats, elaborate folds and dimensional draping. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Issey Miyake apparel.

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