Issey Miyake’s Innovative Technology for Summer Spring 2015 Collection: 3D Steam Stretch By Sara Martinez

Research Summary Issey Miyake is known in the fashion industry for his technology-driven garments. His Summer Spring 2015 collection includes a new technique called 3D Stretch Seam that allows fabric to be printed with steamed folds to create origami-like structure while withstanding constant wear and washing. It took the company three years to perfect the technique and the yarn to the fabric is printed by computer software. This technique can be used in other industries such as interior design. I

Spring Summer 2015 Collection Issey Miyake Spring Summer 2015 Collection *Video Here*

Issey Miyake's focus is "being innovative with technology" says Yoshiyuki Miyamae Dezeem Magazine sits down with Yoshiyuki Miyamae, head of womenswear at Issey Miyake and discussed the 3D Steam Stretch technique. All the fabric is woven and steam is used to fold the seams to give it the origami-like structure. The yarns used to weave the fabrics are mainly cotton and polyester. The difference is that Miyake’s technology is programmed to precisely weave the patterns to give it structure. "We're thinking about the possibilities of applying it into interior design, or products or architecture. In a couple of years we could come up with some amazing interior products,” Miyamae said. Website/Article Used: http://www.dezeen.com/2014/11/12/issey-miyake-yoshiyuki-miyamae-interview-3d-stretch-seam-fashion-technology/?curator=FashionREDEF

Issey Miyake Weaves Colorful Three-Dimensional Garments for Women Yoshiyuki Miyamae presented Issey Miyake’s 2015-16 Autumn/Winter collection for women with the 3D Steam Stretch techniques to create garments with multiple colors being woven together. The theme is “Colorscope,” so the inspiration are for the colors to work together and function like a kaleidoscope. Outerwear such as jackets with uneven textures was designed with double weaves. The 3D Steam Stretch textile created intricate embroidery-like effects to display dark shading effects on the garments to give them dimension. “The 3D Steam Stretch textile is full of possibilities, and I’m excited to find out what it has to offer. I’m thinking of reproducing the effects of embroidery using this textile,” said Miyamae. Issey Miyake Weaves Colorful Three-Dimensional Garments for Women Website/Article Used: http://en.fashion-headline.com/article/2015/03/16/2412.html

Issey Miyake and the 3D Steam Stretch Technique Some of the principles of Issey Miyake is to promote the importance of creativity while innovating technology to produce apparel The 3D Steam Stretch technique was developed by Yoshiyuki Miyamae The weaving style for it is so difficult it can only be achieved with computer programs The fabric is not molded or pre-formed, it is woven from yarn into fabric by ordinary materials. A new type of fabric that shrinks into firm structures when exposed to steam. Website/Article Used: http://rixosmagazine.com/en/issey-miyake/

Conclusion Summary The 3D Steam Stretch technique is a trait that expresses Issey Miyake’s view on fashion being unique and fashionable. It is a difficult technique that can only be achieved with Miyake’s technology. It took years to perfect and colorful garments with different textures can now be produced. Not only is this technique restricted to the apparel design industry but can be used in other industries as well. This technique not only brings dimension to a garment but it brings them to life. This technique is permanent so it will never lose it’s shape. Since the garments are made with regular materials, the feel of the garments will be the same as traditional clothing.

Predictions on the Future of 3D Steam Stretch “I feel the start of something new for Japan,” Yoshiyuki Miyamae said in a previous interview and I agree. Most fashion labels concentrate on designs and fabrics, but Issey Miyake’s label aims higher when it comes to incorporating technology into a garment. Not only do the garments come out beautiful, it is something that’s never been seen before. Because technology will keep on improving and getting bigger, the possibilities of other techniques such as 3D Steam Stretch being created are high. More intricate and beautiful garments will be created like never before because some of the techniques are only possible by machine. Miyamae also said that the future of the 3D Steam Stretch will integrate in other parts of society such as interior design. This is great because the machines used are precise to where any design is possible if planned out. There will be a variety of things made that will be exclusive to this technique only. The possibilities with the future of 3D Steam Stretch is endless.