ISSEY MIYAKE is a globally renowned Japanese apparel and fashion company that prioritizes the relationship between the body and fabric, using technology-driven and sustainable design concepts. The company operates under the umbrella of the Miyake Design Studio and is known for its innovative pleating techniques and unique product lines. Company Profile Company Name: ISSEY MIYAKE INC. Established: November 2, 1971 (Miyake Design Studio was established in 1970) Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan Business: Design, manufacture, wholesale, and retail of men's and women's apparel, fashion items, and accessories Design Philosophy and Innovations At its core, the brand's philosophy, inherited from founder Issey Miyake, revolves around the concept of "A Piece of Cloth" (A-POC). This approach aims to create universal clothing that is unbound by traditional Western or Eastern conventions and focuses on comfort and ease in everyday life. Key innovations and characteristics include: Garment Pleating: A patented technique where oversized garments are first cut and sewn, then heat-pressed to create permanent, wrinkle-resistant pleats that move with the body and are machine washable. This technology led to the famous Pleats Please Issey Miyake line. Technology & Materials: The brand is known for its extensive research and development into new materials, including recycled polyester and collaborations with textile engineers, to create functional and durable products. Sustainability & Functionality: Miyake emphasized creating long-lasting, practical pieces to counter fast fashion trends, using efficient manufacturing processes like the A-POC system, which minimizes textile waste. Brand Portfolio The company oversees a diverse range of brands, each exploring a different aspect of its core philosophy: ISSEY MIYAKE: The main collection line, presenting seasonal designs at Paris Fashion Week. PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE: A women's line of pleated garments designed for daily utility and comfort. HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE: A menswear line applying the same garment pleating technology for universal, everyday wear. A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE: A brand focused on instigating dialogues between creators and wearers, using innovative engineering to create items from a single piece of cloth. BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE: A popular line of bags featuring an innovative design with triangular pieces that form geometric shapes when filled. HaaT: A women's line focused on textiles, blending Japanese design with traditional Indian handiwork techniques. ISSEY MIYAKE PARFUMS: Fragrances produced under license by the Shiseido Group, including the iconic L'eau d'Issey.