Daniel RidingNew and innovative ways to promote new fashion is something that always excites us, and when it came to our attention that one of the most innovative designers was opening a new store; we had to find out more. It turns out that Issey Miyake has opened a new concept store in Tokyo which will feature the work of five young designers, collectively known as Reality Lab and also marking the launch of a new men’s line. This new store occupies a space in the same building as a storefront for 132 5, another Miyake brand. The outpost, combined with its companion store 132 5, covers 4,341 square feet of selling space.
The store sells a mixture of the different Miyake lines including thebrand’s range of Bao Bao bags and a line of origami paper lamps produced by the Italian company Artemide. There is also a series of handbags designed in collaboration with Tokyo-based product designer Mike Abelson. The straps of the bags are made of woven paper from Japan’s northern Tohoku region, scene of the 2011 tsunami.
Also a new addition is the Homme Plissé, a new men’s brand that is essentially the male version of the company’s Pleats Please line for women. The core of the brand’s product offering will consist of 10 styles of pleated garments, including T-shirts, cardigans and pants, all in four main colors: light gray, dark gray, blue and black. Some items will be available in additional colors, and a few coats and jackets will round out the offering. Prices for the polyester garments will range from about 12,000 yen, or about $122, for a T-shirt to 50,000 yen, or $507, for a coat.
Reality Lab’s other apparel brand, 132 5, launched in 2010. Its concept is based on computer-generated patterns and intricately folded fabric. It now includes a range of clothing for both men and women, made from recycled polyester and recycled plastic bottles. If you want to check out the entire Issey Miyake collection then head over to IsseyMiyake.com