Meet Issey Miyake (03:28)

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The Japanese designer aims to create easy to wear garments with an element of surprise. Pieces of "origami" cloth become dresses—combining art with clothing.

"Vivid Memories" Exhibition (02:08)

Miyake greets influential artists and officials in Paris in May 2014. He exhibits origami inspired lighting fixtures.

Developing Origami Clothing (02:52)

At the Miyake Design Studio in Tokyo, Reality Lab team members present design ideas in folded paper shapes for a square season theme. Patterns are created using single pieces of recycled polyester cloth. Folds are ironed and partially sewn.

Miyake's Creative Process (02:29)

New designs start taking shape in October. In Miyake's "dojo," models try on garments, and Miyake edits their shape while the clothing is on the body. How the wearer feels in the garment is his top priority.

Rectangular Origami Dress (03:21)

Team member Sen Kawahara develops a garment from a series of paper forms. Miyake alters the drooping neckline while on a model, watching her face to see whether it is easy to wear. He discusses the balance between comfort and appearance.

Miyake's Design Principle (02:49)

A folded piece of cloth is a two dimensional plane. Lifted up, it becomes three dimensional. When worn, a new shape is born. Origami clothing feels like air to the wearer.

Design Origins (02:48)

Miyake was born in Hiroshima in 1938. His mother's costume creations from recycled materials, the sculptural Peace Bridge, and a dressmaker's shop inspired him to pursue fashion. At 27, Miyake moved to Paris and trained at haute couture boutiques. In 1970, he became an independent designer.

A Piece of Cloth (03:28)

Miyake's design concept focuses on the space between the cloth and the body. His clothes fit all body types, revolutionize Western wear, and transcend borders and gender. He created 200 patterns using the origami concept; folds prevent bagginess for ease of movement.

Using Traditional Japanese Textiles (02:23)

Miyake visits a paper maker whose artisan technique is dying out. View designs inspired by her functional and aesthetic craftsmanship. He discusses the simplicity in Japanese culture.

Garment Production (02:11)

A factory in Shinjo, Yamagata produces Miyake's origami clothing line, using a combination of hand and machine sewing. Japanese artisans enjoy the challenge of making his patterns.

Finished Origami Garments (02:21)

Dancers model dresses and coats created with Japanese handcraft techniques, jersey material, hemp, and artisan dyes.

Design Revelation (05:57)

Miyake shows the Dutch king and queen around 21_21 Design Sight, a museum he built as a place for people to gather and think about design. Inspired by the tall royals, Miyake instructs team members to enlarge a new pleating piece. He decides to make bigger clothes.

Pausing for Reflection (04:28)

After a fitting, Miyake's team members wait for further revisions. He makes changes after a few days; this process challenges them to think about different forms of expression. In November, Yuki Itakura creates an origami dress resembling a staircase; Miyake cannot find any design flaws.

Standards of a Master (03:33)

Shionoya added more volume to his "origami" piece, but Miyake is not impressed. He instructs the team to lighten the silhouette, and discusses the lack of excitement among his apprentices; he wants to learn together with them.

Somi (03:34)

Shionoya decides to try a different fabric to save his design. Miyake's sales and production departments gather for a general showing, but he says he is not ready.

Reviewing an Origami Clothing Line (04:17)

Miyake assess garments for ease of wear, surprise, and style. Shionoya presents his pleated pieces that were redone in a standard material. Miyake approves the look, and gives further feedback.

2015 Fall and Winter Collection (03:53)

Miyake approves 124 pieces for his latest origami clothing line. His favorite is a tiered "pagoda" dress reflecting a new form of expression. He says that Japan's unique aesthetic comes from using hands and minds simultaneously. Dancers model garments from his collection.

Fashion Affects the Spirit (02:29)

Miyake discusses how he hopes his collection will be received by the public. He finds creating clothing exciting. A dancer models a tiered origami dress.

Credits: Issey Miyake (00:27)

Credits: Issey Miyake