Maison Miyake

 In 1965, Issey Miyake, armed with a graphic design degree from Tama Art University in Japan, embarked on a transformative journey to Paris. There, alongside fellow Japanese designer Kenzo Takada, he delved into the world of couture at l’École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. This Parisian sojourn laid the foundation for Miyake's illustrious career. Establishing his eponymous fashion label, Miyake Design Studio, in Tokyo in 1970, he returned to Paris in 1973 to debut his collections, marking the beginning of a lifelong connection to the city. This association endured until his retirement from the brand in 1997.

 

Continuing this legacy, a newly unveiled Issey Miyake Paris store now graces the prestigious Triangle D’Or shopping district, representing one of Miyake's final endeavors. Despite his retirement, Miyake remained involved in the company's affairs until his passing in August 2022. Renowned Japanese designer and artist Tokujin Yoshioka, who collaborated with Miyake on various projects, reminisces about being enlisted by Miyake in 2021 to undertake the store's design. "Paris is a centre of fashion and culture," Yoshioka reflects. His vision materialised at 28 rue François 1er, supplanting the former flagship on Rue Royale in the 8th arrondissement. Dubbed 'ISSEY MIYAKE / PARIS,' the store epitomises a convergence of cultural dynamism and futurism, as described by Yoshioka.

´The architectural design aims for minimalism, accentuating the impression of weightlessness, akin to garments seemingly suspended in air. The store will showcase a comprehensive array of Issey Miyake's collections, including Pleats Please, Homme Plissé, Bao Bao, alongside perfumes, watches, and eyewear.´ - Charles Daniel McDonald

Spanning 360 square meters across two floors, the store inhabits the former headquarters of Europe 1 radio station, marking a pioneering venture for retail in the space. Externally, the store boasts a quintessentially Parisian ambiance with a 19th-century stone facade adorned with expansive windows and traditional adornments. Internally, Yoshioka's signature modern aesthetic takes precedence, featuring minimalist white-walled chambers punctuated by angular metal fixtures and glass displays. "I aimed to merge contemporary elements with 19th-century French architecture to evoke a temporal juxtaposition," explains Yoshioka.

Central to the store's ambiance are the vibrant orange aluminum accent walls, strategically positioned throughout the space and visible from the street. Symbolising the rising sun, these walls encapsulate Miyake's ethos of joy and vitality in design. "The aluminum walls, individually treated with an anodising technique, are assembled on-site to form a luminous orange expanse, evoking the radiance of the sun," explains Yoshioka. "They embody Issey Miyake's dedication to craftsmanship and his vision for a vibrant future."