Instant fashion: Miyake’s Steam and Stretch

Known for innovations in textile design, Yoshiyuki Miyamae this season developed a technique called Steam and Stretch. Rectangular pieces of tubular knitted fabric were transformed into fully fashioned dresses when steam was applied from an iron.

Although the garments appeared to be created instantly, the tubular knits were machine-made, using natural silk and synthetic stretch yarns. The application of hot steam to the stretch yarns caused them to shrink, creating 3D forms.

The yarn combinations in panels were artfully engineered to the female form, creating fitted garments. The placement of fully fashioned armholes and decorative elements such as cowls and pleats was carefully considered.

For more examples of how brands have demonstrated their creation process, see LS:N Global’s Show your working microtrend.