Issey Miyake Brings a Sculptural New Flagship and Its First Gallery to Madison Avenue

“expansive” and “striking,” designed to house a wide cross section of the Issey Miyake universe under one roof. Ready to wear, pleated collections, accessories and special projects are merchandised in a way that mirrors the brand’s fluid approach to form, movement and fabric technology.

Architecture by SO–IL: glass, light and precision New York architecture studio SO–IL led the design, creating a space that carefully balances the Beaux Arts grandeur of the New York Life Building with Issey Miyake’s signature restraint and focus on material innovation.

The result has been described as “precise” and “audacious,” using contemporary interventions to frame rather than overpower the historic shell. A monumental glass staircase acts as a central sculptural element, visually connecting the two levels and drawing light deep into the interior.

Within the space, a titanium panel is installed as a symbolic gesture to the long friendship and creative dialogue between architect Frank Gehry and Issey Miyake, nodding to the late designer’s fascination with structure and movement beyond clothing…