Few fashion houses command the level of reverence and intrigue as Issey Miyake. More than just a brand, it is a philosophy - one that bridges the gap between the avant-garde and the everyday, crafting garments that blend technical innovation with poetic simplicity. Since its founding in 1970, the label has pioneered a design language defined by pleats, movement, and sculptural silhouettes. Miyake's approach to fashion is not about mere aesthetics; it is about functionality, fluidity, and freedom. Each collection serves as an exploration of material and form, pushing the boundaries of what clothing can be.
Footwear, however, has never been Issey Miyake’s primary focus. While the brand has dabbled in unconventional shoe designs, its reputation rests firmly on its mastery of textile manipulation and shape. But the Breeze sneaker might just change that.
A new addition to Homme Plissé Issey Miyake’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, the Breeze sneaker is a sleek, futuristic running shoe that distills the essence of Miyake’s most accessible (and, of course, pleated) menswear line. It carries the same quiet innovation as the brand’s beloved garments - shapes that feel familiar yet otherworldly, engineered for function yet imbued with artistry.
Like the signature pleated blazers and tapered trousers of Homme Plissé, the Breeze sneaker is crafted with everyday wear in mind. It’s an exercise in balance: bold yet versatile, distinct yet effortless. The streamlined silhouette is a masterclass in considered design, with precise paneling and aerodynamic contours. Every element serves a purpose, blending aesthetics with advanced functionality.
The Breeze sneaker is, quite literally, well-ventilated. Strategically placed mesh panels encourage airflow, cooling the foot and mitigating the usual perils of summer wear. Like a silk kimono catching the wind, its breathable structure dances between practicality and elegance. This design echoes the brand’s broader philosophy of integrating technical innovation into fashion, much like its signature pleating technique, which enhances breathability and ease of movement.
Its lightweight midsole, sculpted to ergonomic perfection, sits atop a custom-molded outsole adorned with fluid, fingerprint-like curves that rise to embrace the heel - like ripples in a Zen garden, subtly guiding the eye along its contours. The material composition suggests a focus on high-performance components, potentially incorporating EVA foam for superior shock absorption and energy return, making it not just visually intriguing but also practical for extended wear.
And laces? Not here. The Breeze discards traditional fastenings in favor of a sleek pull-tab mechanism reminiscent of Salomon’s Quicklace system. Like the effortless drape of a Miyake garment, this detail speaks to a philosophy of seamless motion, ensuring a snug fit while maintaining the minimalist ethos that defines Homme Plissé’s approach to clothing.
Issey Miyake’s footwear lineage is a study in unpredictability, oscillating between minimalist water shoes and unexpected Converse-esque renditions. The brand’s collaboration with New Balance last year was an intriguing flex of its design muscles, proving that Miyake’s DNA could merge seamlessly with sneaker culture. That sneaker, a reimagined New Balance MT580, featured a futuristic synthetic upper and exaggerated sole unit, reinforcing Miyake’s affinity for sculptural design. But the Breeze? It feels like the logical next step, a synthesis of past and future, function and form - an origami-folded whisper of tomorrow’s footwear.
More of this, please.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Issey Miyake.