Issey Miyake has perfected the skill of lifting pleating from a basic school uniform aesthetic to intricate, delicate folds that seem to float in the air. Indeed, some of his most iconic shows have actually featured airborne fits being settled onto the models from above.
Aetherial and soft, these are looks that are as masculine as they are feminine. Embrace the dichotomy, and lead the pack in what is set to catch eyes from way beyond the schoolyard. The plisse puts the fluidity of gender in stark relief - structured yet organic, linear yet flowing, geometric and structural, yet also oddly soft and ephemeral. There is a dance between two elements which may well underlie plisse’s major moment.
Here is a curation of the very finest pleated selections from Issey Miyake, available to cop now at Harvey Nichols.
Shop the best Issey Miyake Plisse pieces below.
Issey Miyake Pleated Trousers
Whether heading out or getting cozy indoors, here is a pair of trousers that will multitask - so you don’t have to. A subtle gray, a pleated fold at the bottom and ever so slightly baggy, this look is giving style without the effort.
Issey Miyake Pleated Shorts
Frolicking on the beach never looked so good. You can’t go wrong when this colorway is so right. Peachy and breezy to suit the summer mood, this pair of shorts has us lusting after its soft, effervescent flow. We’re enjoying the simple drawstring close at the top, allowing for cinched-in prep or laid-back chill.
Issey Miyake Pleated Blazer
The grandpa aesthetic never gets old. Get it? We’re loving the two-button simplicity. The dark pleats give it a Dark Knight moment, making this a fit worthy of Bruce Wayne. Pair this with these leather loafers from G. H. Bass and Co to really Batman it up.
Issey Miyake Cedar Straight-leg Trousers
Trousers with patterns are a whole thing. With this chevron-laden pair, you’ll be turning heads whilst turning geometric corners, making this an elegant pick to go with pared-down basics like a black or white tee. Yin and yang, doing what they do best.
Issey Miyake Pleated T-shirt
This brown, creamy number leads us to think of our foaming lattes in the morning. It’s hard not to love this effortless piece, for its deceptive simplicity and for its gentle, Japanese aesthetic. From the way this falls, to the smooth textiles, this quietly whispers calm and collected. For days where you want to elevate yourself above the pack.
Issey Miyake Printed Pleated Jacket
We’ve got another grandpa blazer contender. This time, it shouts from the rooftops, with a bold aquamarine print that harkens back to art school, where you’d toss paint at a canvas and see what sticks. The four button detailing and collar-less cut modernize the era of this particular blazer look.
Issey Miyake Pleated Jersey Sweatshirt
This carries style notes from the dystopian futuristic films that have marked the better part of the 2010s - leading you to question, am I destined to wander the wilderness in search of food and shelter and other, demurely dressed allies? With this piece, you’ll attract others who are secretly preparing for a Hunger Games battle royale.
Issey Miyake Frame Hooded Coat
If you ever wanted to rock the duvet look outdoors, but were too scared to pull off a Rihanna at the Met Gala moment, here is an option that takes style notes from bedding, without going full comforter. We are in love with the color, too.
Issey Miyake Pleated Top
This is the type of top we could see Frank Ocean rocking, for a moody, rainy walk downtown. For those summer days where the weather is not cooperating, get yourself situated in this comforting take on Issey plisse, which gives some architectural edge to an otherwise straightforward black. Peep the subtle criss-cross at the sleeves. We’re here for it.
Issey Miyake Printed Pleated Jacket
Rounding out this round-up, we have a tropical printed jacket. Fit for a jungle king, this plays with proportions, as well as depth, providing you a captive audience for your arguably wild look. Let the city embrace your untamed side.
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