Hybrid Store: Issey Miyake
Program Type: Commercial / Retail
Area: 4352 sq ft.
Location: West 4th Avenue, Kitsilano, BC
About : Hybrid Retail Store / Tattoo Shop / Clothing Store
Concept
The interior design concept for the hybrid retail store of the clothing brand Issey Miyake and a tattoo shop draws inspiration from the theme of “扇子(Folding Fans),” symbolizing the seamless fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Upon entering, customers will experience a trans-formative space that unfolds like a beautifully crafted folding fan, revealing its secrets layer by layer.
The design spread like the pivot of the folding fan, with two distinct sides radiating outward—one showcasing the fluid elegance of Miyake’s clothing collection, and the other dedicated to the artistry of tattoo craftsmanship. The design shows the softness of pleated fabrics with the strength of structural elements, mimicking the delicate yet sturdy nature of a fan. Inspired by fan leaves, the fan-shaped gracefully separate the areas, guiding visitors where each turn reveals intricate details and curated experiences, celebrating the rich history and cultural exchange that defines Issey Miyake’s legacy.
Vision on the Hybrid Retail Store
The Hybrid retail store embodies the brand's mission of exploring the dynamic relationship between the human body and fabric, creating an innovative space that reflects the brand's commitment to questioning accepted norms and overcoming cultural barriers.
Designed with the Space Age aesthetic with a Japanese twist, the store features two distinct sections in bold hues of red and blue, symbolizing the fusion of Eastern and Western design sensibilities while paying homage to traditional Japanese tattoo art. The idea of a tattoo shop is inspired by Issey Miyake's first collection, the 1971 Tattoo Collection, where Mr. Issey Miyake utilized colors commonly found in Japanese traditional tattoos to create a cohesive narrative. This vibrant color palette invites customers to experience the harmony between personal expression and mass appeal, encapsulating the essence of “ma” through an open and thoughtful space that promote exploration.
Mission Statement
Issey Miyake has dedicated itself since its establishment in 1971 to investigating the relationship between the human body and fabric, creating designs that challenge conventional design norms and cultural barriers.
The brand emphasizes on the wearer's experience by embodying the idea of "ma (the empty space)". Issey Miyake also conducts constant research to invent one-of-a-kind fabrics using unusual yarns, making sure that every piece embodies a harmony between aesthetic vision and mass appeal. The brand’s goal is to reinvent what apparel is all about, turning it into an endless canvas for personal expression that unites Western and Eastern design sensibilities.
