New president for Issey Miyake appointed

Japanese luxury label Issey Miyake has appointed a new company president, following the internal promotion of Takahiko Ise to the top spot. Previously the fashion brand’s head of production, Ise replaces former president Masakatsu Nagatani, who will remain in the company as an advisor.

The change over was effective since October 1, according to Japanese media reports.

Ise came to work for Issey Miyake in the early eighties and has continued to establish a flourishing career in planning and production.

The fashion veteran spent the past 30-plus years working across Issey Miyake lines such as Pleats Please Issey Miyake, Me Issey Miyake, Homme Plissé Issey Miyake and Bao Bao Issey Miyake.

Ise’s promotion, which coincides with the appointments of Koji Usui and Keisuke Harukiya as managing directors, signals a shift in focus for Issey Miyake.

The Tokyo-based label, renowned for its experimentation with fabrics and textile innovation, remains focused on technology to an even sharper degree moving forward, with strategies set on innovation, new technology and proprietary techniques.

Founded by Hiriohima-born Issey Miyake in 1971,the company’s overall creative direction has been led by designer Yoshiyuki Miyamae and his team since 2012.

Issey Miyake has approximately ten flagship stores globally, with three in its local Tokyo (Shibuya, Chuo and Minato), as well as a store in Osaka and one in Hyogo.

International stores can be found in Paris, London, New York and Milan and Zurich.