During Paris Fashion Week last fall, Satoshi Kondo’s first collection for Issey Miyake was worn by women moving freely—arms outstretched—down the runway.
Light, linen-like fabrics and waffle-like weaves conveyed comfort and a sense of ease. Hand-painted prints were inspired by images of ancient man praying to stones and earth or embracing under a clear blue sky. Minimal cutting and sewing resulted in looks and accessories, like oversized hats, that celebrated the idea of a piece of fabric itself.
It being Issey Miyake, we also saw a panorama of pleating in vibrant colors, folding and unfolding elegantly with every move, a vision of joy and dance captured in fringe.
For his debut in this new role, Kondo, who has been at the fashion house since 2007, chose to start from the beginning, rediscovering the relationship between body and cloth.
