Every time I travel abroad, I Google the current art and fashion exhibitions being held in the city I’m visiting. I was really ecstatic when I found out that forty-five years of innovative fashion and design by Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake are currently on display at Tokyo’s National Art Center in Roponggi! OMG. ISSEY. MIYAKE. I’ve always been a fan of his work and particularly enjoyed his 20th anniversary campaign for his Pleats Please clothing line. He created a collection of posters inspired by some of my favorite food – from matcha ice cream to sushi! If there’s one word to describe him, it would have to be genius, and his exhibit in Tokyo proved he’s indeed one of the best.
Sadly, photos were prohibited inside, but here’s a great virtual tour of Issey Miyake’s retrospective. My favorite section of the exhibit was the third room where his printing and construction techniques were explained, and his recent pleated and sculptural garments were showcased. I also got to pull up and unfold some of his two-dimensional 132.5 pieces and transform them into three-dimensional dresses on half-scale dress forms – what an experience! It made me miss my draping class!
The exhibit runs until the 13th of June 2016, so if you’ll be in Tokyo by then, I highly suggest that you drop by The National Art Center. Even if you’re not that into art, fashion or design, I believe that you’ll still enjoy and appreciate his insanely beautiful exhibit.
If you’re planning to visit Tokyo, I have good news! Jetstar Japan, Japan’s largest low-cost carrier, now offers up to seven direct flights a week between Manila and Tokyo. I love the fact that they operate the first direct flight to Tokyo’s Narita Airport and the last flight back to NAIA, giving travelers more time in Japan’s bustling capital.
Disclaimer: My flight to and from Tokyo was sponsored by Jetstar Airways but all thoughts and experiences shared are my own.