Artist Yoshihisa Tanaka created pleated and folded washi paper that measures hundreds of miles, coming together as a part of an interactive installation for Japanese fashion imprint Issey Miyake. This is a part of its impressive Spring/Summer 2024 show that was presented on the runways during Paris Fashion Week. The artist worked alongside a Japanese factory that has a deeply rooted history of over 1,300 years making wash paper to create the intricate material using plants with some clay.
Tanaka explains to Dezeen, "Inspired by the concept, I thought about using a piece of paper in the simple shape of a rectangle and, by folding it, creating lines that are sharp and straight, as well as soft and curved. It holds in the air as it moves effortlessly. A piece of washi paper, once it is pleated and folded, can be easily carried around in a compact size, and you can hang it easily by fixing just one point. I envisioned an installation of washi paper where the pieces all convey these qualities to the most extent and for that, I did many studies trying to find their appropriate sizes in comparison to the scale of the venue."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Interactive Fashion Installations
- The use of interactive installations in fashion shows creates immersive experiences for audiences.
- Pleated Washi Paper
- The use of pleated and folded washi paper in fashion design adds a unique tactile element to garments.
- Japanese Fashion Imprint
- Japanese fashion imprints like Issey Miyake push the boundaries of design by collaborating with artists and artisans.
Where This Applies
- Fashion
- The fashion industry can capitalize on interactive installations to create memorable and engaging brand experiences.
- Paper Manufacturing
- The paper manufacturing industry has an opportunity to explore the use of unique materials like pleated washi paper in various applications.
- Art and Design
- The art and design industry can benefit from collaborations between artists and fashion brands, leading to innovative and visually stunning projects.
