Issey Miyake Opens Its First Store In New York City

About Time.

It was only a matter of time before Issey Miyake made its move on New York City. Opening today at 45 Madison Avenue, inside the landmark Cass Gilbert-designed New York Life Building, the brand’s new flagship stays true to everything the house has ever stood for, the space is as much art as it is retail.

Designed by Solid Objectives Idenburg Liu, the interior pairs exposed Beaux-Arts architecture with custom aluminium and stainless-steel surfaces, anchored by a monumental structural glass staircase at its center. A titanium panel pays tribute to the late Frank Gehry’s enduring friendship with the founder, while salvaged glass panels from the now-closed Tribeca location have been repurposed as display tables.

To mark the occasion, Issey Miyake is releasing a set of flagship-exclusive pieces: the Folding Coat, individually hand-stamped with a Rakkan of Issey Miyake; the handcrafted abaca fiber Unbound Hat; and the Shade and Shaded_NY pleated capsule, a collection of two dresses, a skirt, and a top designed specifically for this opening.

At the rear of the store, MADO meaning “window” in Japanese, debuts as the first Issey Miyake gallery space outside Japan, set to host rotating exhibitions and collaborations throughout the year. All twelve brand lines are represented under one roof, making 45 Madison the most complete expression of the Issey Miyake universe the city has ever seen.

It is time for you to see, will you be checking it out?