イッセイミヤケの「リアリティラボ」という革新的なファッション遊び場が表参道にオープン!新メンズウェアラインもデビュー
There is a reason that Issey Miyake is revered as one of the most innovative brands on the planet. Not that we all don’t LOVE the digital printed sweatshirts from Givenchy and Balenciaga (cuz we do), but what Miyake plops out on the market is something totally new altogether. And now he has a three-room massive shop for his most innovative brands all under one roof. It is a veritable PLAYGROUND of innovation.
It’s almost too innovative for it’s own good. Each new brand line this genius comes up with could have a yawning list of all the innovative characteristics it entails. Have I said the word “innovative” enough? Because it’s innovative.
Issey Miyakeがこの世界の中で一番「革新的な」
もはや、革新的すぎるのかもしれない。
**New Menswear line! 新メンズウェアのライン!**
Even the name evokes the “i”-word (psst…innovation). “Reality Lab”. Slick, isn’t it! It opened on the far end of Omotesando this Monday. Sure, when it comes to that area you might think “Prada” or “Comme des Garcons”, but I swear Issey Miyake seems to have every other space on that stretch of road for his own. It’s a realty empire.
So the “Reality Lab” consists of the high-tech brands that Miyake himself oversees with a small group of young, spunky designers that are often in lab coats. It really can get confusing to let’s break down each one of these labels.
名前ですら革新的(あ、また言っちゃった)。”Reality Lab”。最高でしょ!表参道の奥を突き進んだら、先週
ということで、”Reality Lab”はMiyake自身が監督を務め、
1) Origami you can wear-:”132 5. Issey Miyake”
着れる折り紙:132 5. Issey Miyake
THIS. Two words for this: REALLY COOL. It’s literally origami you can wear, and then fold back up into a flat pinwheel again. That takes some practice, and I have a skirt which I admit I gave up on folding and have it hanging in my closet instead.
I can’t believe how far in design and textile color/processing this line has come in such a short time. The fabric is recycled from plastic bottles PET so it’s like a techno polyester. But then this season they came out with origami VELVET. I don’t know how those fold lines stay permanent, but they do! It’s incredible.
コ・レ。これを説明するのに最適な2語、「超・かっこいい」。
このラインのデザイン、生地、カラー・
2) Interior decorating: “In-Ei Issey Miyake”
インテリア系:「イン・エイIssey Miyake」
This is the interior product department of the origami fashion technique. Using mathematic equations the team designs objects which are folded from single pieces of paper. The material is also invented by the team. As a bonus, Issey Miyake Mens created a line of clothing inspired by Japanese washi paper and it’s fitted with super reflective tape in gold. If I heard correctly, Miyake himself will sign a few of the one-off pieces to the lucky buyers.
これらはインテリア商品部署の折り紙ファッションテクニック。
This is menswear made of Japanese WASHI paper
こちらは和紙で制作された極限定シリーズ
3) Bags: “Bao Bao Issey Miyake”
バッグ系:バオバオ Issey Miyake
These things sell like HOTCAKES. My mom asked for one of these for her birthday last year and everytime I went to the store they would be completely sold out (except for like, a pencil pouch and scrunchie…yeah, scrunchie). I had to order from the exhibition, then will wait more months until delivered. What I’m saying is, these are the crocodile Birkins of Japanese fashion. Theres even a limit to how many one can buy! I dig the metallic ones and also the Sputniko collaboration is very cool. Call yourself lucky if you get your hands on one.
この子達は、まるでパンケーキのごとき勢いで売れまくる!
Bonus- “Renjaku Bag”
ボーナス★連尺バッグ
The woven paper handles and balls decorating these bags are an artisinal technique native to the north Tohoku region of Japan. Teaming up with American product designer Mike Abelson means a fusion of that tradition with a modern, practical bag. I know that reads like a press release but it’s not, because it’s true.
紙が織られている持ち手に、
4) Menswear: “Homme Plisse Issey Miyake”
メンズウェア系: Homme Plisse Issey Miyake
New brand alert! New brand alert! Think of it as a more casual brand than the menswear main line, and it’s all about comfort and convenience. So there are a lot of Issey’s signature high-tech pleats (which are more rounded than in the Pleats Please line so it’s more…gentlemanly? Classic? Softer? I think so.). The prices are mosre reasonable here too, and there are a lot of practical items made in collaboration with great designers too. There are the famed watches here, with a line made in collaboration with Tokujin Yoshioka. Famed designer Tokujin Yoshioka designed this shop space, by the way.
新ブランド警報!新ブランド警報ー!ピピピ!これは、
So go have fun and play in this “Reality Lab” sandbox when you’re in the area. But it’s all concrete so… keep your shoes on.
ということで!この”Reality Lab”のお遊び場で、たくさん遊んで楽しんでみて。
東京都港区南青山5-3-10 FROM-1st
Editor: Lisa Ishiwata
One reply on “Innovative Reality Lab Playground by Issey Miyake Opens in Omotesando & Debuts New Menswear Line”
I want one of those baaaaags, in metallic (as you mama wants). They are soooo beutiful. OMG I LOL about your skirt! ^^/ (Cos I know the feeling owning a piece you love and adore but not really figured out how to “wear”) Lovelovelove your blog, its allways so inpiring to come here! Wish you a great start on the week :) / Jennie