Fashion Designer Issey Miyake Dies

Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake died earlier this week. He was 84.



Known for his boldly sculpted pleated pieces as well as designing former Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ black turtlenecks, Miyake defined an era in Japan’s modern history, rising to prominence by defining a Japanese vision that was unique from the West.



In the late 1980s, Miyake began to experiment with new methods of pleating that would allow both flexibility of movement for the wearer as well as ease of care and production. His down-to-earth clothing was meant to celebrate the human body regardless of race, build, size or age.



Miyake also collaborated with furniture and interior designer Shiro Kuramata, photographer Irving Penn, choreographer and director Maurice Bejart, pottery maker Lucie Rie and Ballet Frankfurt.



In 1992, Miyake was commissioned to design the official Olympic uniform for Lithuania, which had just gained independence from the Soviet Union.



In addition to his clothing, Miyake was also known for his line of fragrances. The first, L’Eau d’Issey, was launched in 1992 and became an international bestseller. The fragrance is an aquatic floral, with top notes of Lotus, Melon, and Freesia, and a woody white musk base.



His office confirmed a private funeral had already been held and other ceremonies will not be held in accordance with Miyake’s wishes. Miyake kept his family life private, and survivors are not known.