Designer Issey Miyake dies at 84

Issey Miyake, the internationally acclaimed fashion designer, died of cancer on Aug. 5 aged 84, it was learned Tuesday. Born Kazunaru Miyake, the Hiroshima Prefecture native studied haute couture techniques in France a er graduating from Tama Art University. Miyake also trained in New York before establishing a design studio in 1970 and launching his eponymous clothing brand the following year.

In 1973, he presented a collection in Paris for the rst time. Miyake attracted attention for creating clothes based on his “one piece of cloth” concept, which was in uenced by kimono and other traditions.

He is especially known for his Pleats Please line of clothing, which features precisely crimped designs.

His innovative creations won him widespread acclaim and have been displayed in museums and galleries around the world. (Aug. 10)

Yomiuri Shimbun photos Top right: Issey Miyake talks about his Pleats Please line of clothing in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, in December 2011; right: A dress from Miyake’s “132 5. Issey Miyake” collection made from recycled fabric is on display at an exhibition in 2010.