The Issey Miyake Fall 2024 Collection, under the visionary guidance of Satoshi Kondo, presents a narrative deeply rooted in the essence of simplicity and the fundamental concept of clothing as a singular piece of cloth. This collection draws inspiration from the art of Wolfgang Laib, particularly his installations using natural elements like hazelnut and dandelion pollen, which Kondo first encountered five years ago. The profound impact of Laib’s work, with its emphasis on the pure, vivid beauty of nature, resonates throughout the collection, manifesting in the choice of colors and textures that aim to evoke a sense of joy, inspiration, and aspiration.
Kondo’s approach this season is a testament to the philosophy that in simplicity lies timelessness and universality. Dubbed “What Has Always Been,” the collection is a masterful display of garments that unfold from single pieces of cloth, embracing the body in an array of vivid hues such as fuchsia, pollen yellow, royal blue, and mint green. The designs are an ode to style and functionality, featuring folded, twisted, and asymmetrical forms that challenge conventional garment construction.
The collection is notable for its body-conscious silhouettes, achieved through seamless knits that blossom into tubular flower shapes by employing intricate knitting techniques. The use of light fabrics, including washi and stretch fibers, allows for natural draping that gracefully adorns the model’s forms, enhancing the wearer’s silhouette without constriction.
Volume and texture play a significant role in the collection, especially evident in the washi and wool series, which boasts generous drapes. Highlights include a long coat and a poncho adorned with wildflower prints, featuring shoulders constructed from a single folded piece of material, demonstrating Kondo’s ingenuity and attention to detail.
The collection culminates in a spectacle of whimsy and elegance, with models enveloped in layers of pleated fabric that move with an ethereal grace. This final flourish serves as a reminder of Issey Miyake’s enduring legacy of innovation and the brand’s commitment to exploring the boundaries between art and fashion.
In essence, the Issey Miyake Fall 2024 Collection stands as a celebration of the natural world and the art that inspires us to see beauty in the fundamentals. Satoshi Kondo’s latest offering is a compelling blend of the traditional and the avant-garde, reaffirming the brand’s status as a beacon of creativity in the fashion landscape.
