In November last year, Issey Miyake opened an extra-large Omotesando shop called "Reality Lab," which features his more experimental lines all under one roof. These include 132 5., a wearable line of origami-folded clothing cut from fabric derived from recycled PET bottles, and IN-EI, a line of pleated lamp shades and home decor following a similar concept.
With split levels, the shop, just one of now three Issey Miyake spots in the area, has ample space for displays of the popular structured-plastic BAO-BAO bags, while the lowest level houses menswear, including the brand new Homme Plisse label (considered a Pleats Please for men).
The shop was designed by revered artist Tokujin Yoshioka, who has left it bright and spacious with tall windows, concrete walls, and the interiors broken up by bright green-and-blue display tables — a stylish lab if there ever was one. (M.J.)