Issey Miyake does ‘light’ right in the SS15 show at Paris Fashion Week
As the models stepped out onto the Issey Miyake Spring/Summer 2015 runway, a wash of white signaled the beginning of a fresh, new collection. The first textured, voluminous dress set the tone for the next few looks as creative director Yoshiyuki Miyamae played with fabrics that were simultaneously structured and breezy. Not exactly pleated and not exactly creased, the scrunched pieces billowed out with precision and spontaneity. The all white dreamy ensembles were topped off with elaborate, artistic hats that perfectly complemented the intricacies of the looks.
The crispness of the all white outfits stayed as the collection transitioned into breezier, sheer pieces all paired with spring-time appropriate open-toed flat sandals (Can we all give a hallelujah that flats are coming back into style? Our feet are so happy!).
The show then gave way to an unexpected twist as the Japanese designer introduced a taupe and beige colour scheme, adding a surprising new level to the already striking detail. The actual colour in the show began subtly with lilac and light blue dotting the runway. Menswear-inspired pieces were given a modern vibe as fully buttoned shirts were paired with flowy shorts or coordinating pants, giving us the ultimate inspiration for wearing high fashion in the workplace.
If the Issey Miyake show is any indication, Spring 2015 will be the season of the monochromatic outfit. Girls in head-to-toe peach, and later yellow, took to the runway in coordinating pieces that left us itching to wear matching separates this spring. The dress and structured cape combo was particularly fun while the multicolored strappy sandals added a touch of whimsy.
A beauty trend that seemed to appear at this season’s Paris Fashion Week was the emergence of slicked back hair and the Issey Miyake SS15 runway show was no exception. When paired with wispy, tousled buns, slicked back sides give a level of sophistication to an otherwise ultra-feminine hair style. This juxtaposition between the put together and slightly undone hair perfectly matched the poised but breathable pieces being sent down the runway.
As the colours switched to a deep navy and a robin’s egg blue, the collection gave way to the first patterns of the show: checkers mixed with stripes in contrasting nudes and brights, a trend we can always get behind, especially when paired with matching bangles and bright mascara. The combination of a burnt sienna, salmon pink, red and yellow paired unexpectedly well with the black and white checkered print, giving us the nudge we needed to try some unpopular color pairings this springtime (green and purple, anyone?).
The show came full circle as the last looks showcased more of the designer’s extravagant hats, this time in a mix of black and white. But the best moment came with the arrival of the oversized blue, black, and white plaid print. Making checkered prints springtime appropriate is always a yes in our book, and Miyake’s take on the print made it look refreshing, instead of simply recycled. The collared jacket with matching wide leg pants is the perfect example of wearing coordinating pieces without seeming too matchy-matchy.
While we’ve heard through the grapevine (or just this Vogue video) that Anna Wintour would never wear head to toe black, we’d have to go against the Vogue queen’s wishes after seeing Miyake’s final look.
The look featured a knee length skirt with matching top, all in black, with a matching hat and flat sandal. Made of the same scrunched and textured fabric, the look has an impressive amount of dimension for being all one dark color. If ever there was a way to wear all black, it’s this. We’re totally down for an excuse to whip out our edgiest pieces come this spring.
