About Issey miyake
Issey Miyake was founded in Tokyo in 1970 by the designer of the same name, combining both Eastern minimalism and Western couture influences. Known for his expertise in materials and fabrics, Miyake pioneered steam pleating to allow fabrics to hold their shapes.
The brand's Bao Bao line features the triangles motif that has become an Issey Miyake signature. Bao Bao bags utilize flexible yet durable materials that take on amorphous, sculptural shapes when worn but snap back into place when set down.
Central to Miyake's design ethos is what he terms "A Piece of Cloth" - exploring the relationship between body and garment. Bags like the Bao Bao push the boundaries of traditional construction, functioning almost like wearable art.
While defiantly unconventional, Issey Miyake bags still retain subtle Japanese aesthetic touches. Clean lines and absence of ornamentation allow the textures and shapes themselves to make bold artistic statements.
In the early 2000s, Issey Miyake was among the first major brands to pioneer the use of polyurethane in handbags. This allowed bags to take on irregular, asymmetric shapes not possible with leather or fabrics.
Recent Issey Miyake bags have incorporated recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. This focus on sustainability aligns with the brand's broader vision of clothing harmonizing with both people and the environment.