The Man Who Reinvented Fashion

Issey Miyake wasn’t just a fashion designer — he completely redefined how we think about clothing. In this deep-dive, we explore how Miyake’s simple but revolutionary idea — “a piece of cloth” — changed fashion forever. ✨ Support the channel & get exclusive content:   / deadstockdialogue   From surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima to launching Miyake Design Studio in 1970, Miyake built a design philosophy rooted in hope, comfort, and innovation. We trace his journey through Paris couture and New York ready-to-wear, his game-changing pleats that never wrinkle, and his radical projects like A-POC and 132 5. ISSEY MIYAKE that turned clothing into systems instead of just seasonal products. We also look at his collaborations with dancers, artists, and even Steve Jobs, whose iconic black turtleneck became part of Miyake’s legacy. Finally, we explore how current creative director Satoshi Kondo continues Miyake’s spirit of experimentation with collections like A Form That Breathes. 0:00 - Intro 0:33 - Origins: Design as Hope 1:26 - Learning to Unlearn 3:26 - Building a Language 6:20 - The Breakthrough: Pleats 8:42 - Systems, Not Pieces 11:17 - Institution Building 13:18 - Interlude: The Black Turtleneck 14:35 - The Continuation: Satoshi Kondo 17:01 - Why Miyake Matters Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Miyake’s work, this video will give you a fresh appreciation for one of fashion’s most important visionaries.