Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

What Designers Can Learn From Issey Miyake

There are profound lessons for fashion designers around the world embedded in the life and work of the Japanese innovator, whose death was announced this week, writes Angelo Flaccavento.
Issey Miyake at the finale of his 1997 Autumn/Winter show in Paris.
There are profound lessons for fashion designers around the world embedded in the life and work of the Japanese innovator, whose death was announced this week, writes Angelo Flaccavento. (Getty Images)

Issey Miyake, whose death was announced this week, was a prolific inventor and his approach to fashion contains important lessons for designers around the world. There was his dedication to design as problem solving, his embrace of technology, his attention to deep human needs resulting in soulful and enduring products, and his aversion to saying too much about it all. Because real innovation is about hard work, not easy slogans.

Please sign in to ensure you can read our agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice. Or get in touch at support@businessoffashion.com if you experience difficulties.

In This Article

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Luxury
How rapid change is reshaping the tradition-soaked luxury sector in Europe and beyond.

Hermès ‘Game’ Leaves a Bad Taste

In this week’s High Margin luxury newsletter: A softening resale market for Birkin and Kelly bags poses questions for luxury powerhouse Hermès. Plus, a run on Chanel’s stores during Paris Fashion Week.


view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.
VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON