Issey Miyake Black Pleated Sculptural Sleeveless Maxi Dress, 1990s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: small (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Boca Raton, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU73013656802
Issey Miyake
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Boca Raton, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- 1930s Black and Blue Batik Floral Print Strappy Sleeveless Maxi Dress / GownLocated in Boca Raton, FLA stunning 1930s taffeta maxi dress. I love the blue batik floral print against the black background. The multiple thin straps from the shoulders and down to the mid back are sexy a...Category
1930s Unknown Day Dresses
- Incredible Rare Issey Miyake Pleats Please Avant Garde Color Block DressBy Issey MiyakeLocated in Boca Raton, FLFuturistic designer Issey Miyake has mastered the technique of creating sculptural works of art in cloth. His innovative pattern cutting and signature use of micro pleating give his garments a unique form. As one of the earliest designers to take on this style of fashion, Miyake is held in high regard as a pioneer of these creative, out-of-this-world fashions. From the Pleats Please line, this rare collector’s dress is done in a pleated fabric in shades of midnight blue, electric purple, red, magenta, cerulean, chartreuse, brown, sage, and neon green. The bright colors have a prismatic quality that makes the dress pop visually, giving the eye something new to appreciate from each angle while elevating this garment to a work of art. The dress begins with a high straight neckline and long sleeves that reach the wrists. The front of the dress is fitted throughout, creating an elegant sheath that falls to a maxi length several inches above the ankles. The body of the dress is done in midnight blue pleats with a section of purple at the bust and a section of neon green near the hem that draws the eye. Thigh-high slits at each side of the dress allow for greater ease of movement while introducing a welcome risqué element that helps balance the volume of material on display. Size: Small Measurements: Bust: 32 inches Waist: 30 inches Length: 50 inches An incredible panel at the back of the dress is made up of a vivid patchwork of color-blocked fabric, adding extra depth and gravitas to this Avant Garde masterpiece. The top of the panel can be folded over the front of the shoulders to create a curving, cocoon-like shawl, or folded together at the back like wings at rest. The panel spans the entire length of the dress and is slightly higher at the neck, adding volume and a delightful sculptural element to the otherwise columnar silhouette of the dress. An unforgettable addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this rare Issey Miyake Pleats Please dress is the perfect choice for a wedding, gala, or special occasion, and is sure to turn heads for many years to come. This vintage Issey Miyake dress...Category
1990s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Missoni Runway 2004 Silk Colorful Fringe Scarf / Cape DressBy MissoniLocated in Boca Raton, FLThis dress ; a beautiful creation from Missoni, as seen on the runway. I love the colorful abstract painted print on silk. Long silk fringe panels. Size estimate: S Measurements: ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Divine 1970s Jean Muir Pleated Chiffon Ivory Black Dots Layered dressBy Jean MuirLocated in Boca Raton, FLThe self-taught Jean Muir made her name in the 1960s, creating a reputation for exquisitely tailored timeless, feminine clothing. Having previously worked as a designer for the famous textile house, Liberty of London, Muir’s designs are extremely fluid and often incorporate simple jersey or suede fabrics with small craft details throughout. Of her work, Muir has noted that she is more concerned with the process of engineering garments to make “beautiful shapes” rather than designing clothes. Her pieces are held in museums worldwide and she has been hailed as the greatest dressmaker in the world, in a league with Madame Grès, Chanel, and Vionnet. Done in an ivory chiffon featuring a print of large and small black polka dots, this divine Jean Muir dress is effortless and regal at once. The gathered bodice begins with a high square neckline and layered sheer angel sleeves. The knife-pleated chiffon creates a pleasing rhythm throughout, adding another dimension to the layered flounces of the skirt and fluttering elbow-length sleeves. The skirt falls from a high fitted waist to a maxi length just above the ankles, creating a classic, elegant silhouette, while decorative black stitching at the neckline and waist adds a note of refined elegance. Size estimate: SML/MED Measurements: Bust: 34 inches Waist: 28 inches Hips: up to 38 inches Length: 54 inches From the bust waistline, a layer of chiffon creates a long, knee-length flounce, bringing a fullness to the otherwise columnar structure of the dress. The hems of the sleeves and both layers of the skirt are edged in black silk, adding a nice contrast of texture along with striking pop of color. An excellent choice for a wedding or special occasion, this Jean Muir dress has stunning proportions and can easily be worn as a day-to-night look. This vintage Jean Muir dress...Category
1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Courrèges Black Metallic Polka Dot Layered Maxi Dress, 1970sBy CourrègesLocated in Boca Raton, FLAndré Courrèges was a visionary of youthful and innovative designs. While known for his quirky space-age fashions, his later work offered a blend between unconventional fabrics and c...Category
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Missoni Multicolored Dress with Matching Ruffle Collar and BeltBy MissoniLocated in Boca Raton, FLMissoni multicolored black metallic striped long sleeve dress with a detachable ruffle collar and a matching braided four strand rope belt. Elastic c...Category
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Badgley Mischka Beaded Black Silk Lace Evening Gown Size US 10By Badgley MischkaLocated in New York, NYBadgley Mischka glamorous black silk lace evening gown, size US 10. Gown features hand beaded and embroidered lace with glass jet beading, and neckline with glass jet beads along cu...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Black Silk Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with matte frosted colored glass beads threaded through the cordin...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- Mariano Fortuny Black Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Black Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated black colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
Named after a ...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Eavis & Brown Beaded Evening DressBy Eavis & BrownLocated in Water Mill, NYEavis & Brown Fabulous Beaded Hand Made Dress..Size XSCategory
20th Century English Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Beautiful D&G Dolce and Gabbana Leopard Print DressBy D&G by DOLCE & GABBANALocated in Hoffman Estates, ILBeautiful vintage D&G Dolce & Gabbana leopard print dress. Excellent condition.Category
Early 20th Century Italian Day Dresses