Issey Miyake SS2000 Pleated Ice Cream Sundae Dress

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

In 1999, Irving Penn ended his fruitful 16 year collaboration with Issey Miyake. At the age of 82, Penn had captured many of the brand's most recognisable and celebrated images. Upon his departure, it seemed a hole had been left that would be near impossible to fill, but only a season later, Miyake began a new and equally important relationship with French photographer, Francis Giacobetti.

Like Penn before him, Giacobetti’s penchant for photographing movement proved to be a perfect match. Using the sculptural forms of dancers as his models, Giacobetti captured the radiant palette and architectural nature of Miyake’s trademark pleated garments. The result was surreal, and uniquely beautiful images.

For Spring/Summer 2000, only Giacobetti’s second collection with the brand, the images produced make up many of his, and Issey Miyake’s most iconic body of work. The playful ice cream sundae print of this dress featured on the cover of the collections catalog.

The deliciously vibrant graphic, which appears to have been digitally produced with a slightly pixelated look, paired with the dress’ soft pink hues strikes a balance between the exuberant and the understated. Its straight cut shape and flexibility of the material allows for one-size-fits-all easy wear, making for an eye-catching, yet comfortable, statement piece that can be dressed up or down. Miyake’s trademark pleats lend the dress sculptural qualities, allowing the garment to move and breathe with the wearer. Lightweight and practical, it can be stored easily with no need to iron or steam.

In 2015, an exhibition titled ‘PRISM’ was held at the Daikanyama T-Site Garden Gallery in Tokyo, showcasing the most important images by Francis Giacobetti for Issey Miyake, where this print again featured. Over twenty years later and at the age of 82 (the same age as Penn when he retired), Giacobetti is still Issey Miyake’s primary campaign photographer.

Made in Japan.

100% Polyester

Condition: A few small marks and tiny pinholes all obscured by the pleats.

SIZE & FIT:

Size: OS

Fit: Stretchy and figure hugging -one size fits all.

Measurements:

• Shoulder width: 30cm

• Pit-to-Pit: 35cm

• Length: 116.5cm

• Hem: 33.5cm

All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat.