ISSEY MIYAKE SPRING/SUMMER 2024
Issey Miyake’s Spring Summer 2024 Collection is a seamless blend of the ethereal and the tangible, weaving together fluidity, innovation, and authentic expression. Presented at Césure in Paris, this collection, titled ‘Grasping the Formless,’ pays tribute to the elusive aspects of nature like wind and light. It seeks to embody their ephemeral phenomena, creating a unique and intimate connection with those who wear it.
From the outset, the collection draws inspiration from the ever-changing forms of nature. The garments, much like elements in the natural world, symbolize fluidity and genuine forms. They follow a free-flowing design philosophy, unbound by defined shapes. This approach results in an aesthetic that speaks directly to individuality and constant evolution. The presentation is a sensory delight. Pleated washi paper pieces float, responding to their surroundings, mirroring the symbiotic relationship between clothing and wearer. Skilled performers introduce the collection through a captivating interplay of sound and dance, seamlessly merging with the installation. This underscores the collection’s thematic focus on fluidity and transformation.
Several series within the collection showcase Miyake’s innovative design approach. The Twining series, inspired by a fluttering flag, utilizes a unique weaving technique, creating a delightful interplay of texture and form. The Ambiguous series accentuates the body’s form, embracing high twist cotton yarn for a silhouette that adapts to each wearer. The Light Leak print series produces blurred gradients, each print a work of art, derived from deliberately exposed camera film. The Enveloping series, crafted with Japanese washi paper and polyester, highlights a subtle luster and supple texture, molding to the body and enhancing each wearer’s unique silhouette.
A breathtaking journey from abstraction to structure, the Issey Miyake Spring Summer 2024 Collection navigates the diverse realms of fabric and design. The collection’s various series, each with a distinct approach and outcome, converge in a harmonious celebration of fashion innovation. It pays homage to the fluidity of nature, the authenticity of forms, and the timeless dance between cloth and wearer. In ‘Grasping the Formless,’ Issey Miyake once again demonstrates its dedication to transcending conventional fashion boundaries, offering a vibrant celebration of individuality, nature, and artistic expression.
All images courtsey of Issey Miyake