In the realm of fashion, few names carry as much weight and innovation as Issey Miyake. His journey from surviving the devastation of Hiroshima to revolutionizing the fashion industry is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of human spirit.

Born in Hiroshima in 1938, Miyake’s childhood was marked by the horrors of World War II. Despite the adversity he faced, he emerged from the devastation with a determination to pursue his passion for design. After studying graphic design at Tama Art University in Tokyo, Miyake honed his craft in Paris, where he worked alongside renowned designers such as Guy Laroche and Hubert de Givenchy.

Miyake’s breakthrough into the world of fashion came with his eponymous label, launched in 1970. Embracing a philosophy of innovation and experimentation, Miyake’s designs challenged traditional notions of clothing and form. His iconic creations, including the revolutionary pleated garments introduced in the 1980s, captured the imagination of the fashion world and solidified his status as a visionary designer.

Miyake’s influence extended far beyond the realm of fashion, touching the worlds of art, technology, and culture. His friendship with the late Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc., is a testament to his ability to transcend boundaries and forge meaningful connections. The two shared a mutual admiration for simplicity, functionality, and the intersection of art and technology.

After admiring the uniforms Issey Miyake crafted for Sony’s factory workers, Steve Jobs approached him with a request. Jobs envisioned similar vests for Apple employees, yet faced considerable resistance against the notion of a uniform. Nevertheless, Miyake persisted, eventually creating the iconic black turtlenecks that would come to symbolize Jobs’ distinctive style. Reflecting on this collaboration, Jobs remarked on the significance of simplicity and functionality in design.

Today, Issey Miyake’s legacy lives on through his timeless designs and enduring impact on the fashion industry. From his early experiences in Hiroshima to his collaborations with some of the greatest minds of his time, Miyake’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and the human spirit. As we celebrate his contributions to fashion and design, we also honour the remarkable story of a man who turned adversity into inspiration and changed the world with his art.