back iconBack to Works

Poster and Leaflet Design for An Exhibition

Miyake Issey Exhibition

Main Visual

Miyake Issey ExhibitionOpen in New Window

Duration:
20h | 2015 Autumn
Tool:
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop
  1. Context
  2. Research to Idea
  3. Design
  4. Solution 💡
  5. Takeaway

1: Context

Redesign the poster and leaflet to enhance people's interests.

The Issey Miyake Exhibition held in 2015 in Tokyo was a retrospective exhibition dedicated to showcasing the work and creative journey of renowned fashion designer Issey Miyake. The exhibition aimed to provide visitors with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore the various aspects of Miyake's design philosophy and innovative approaches to fashion.

2: Research to Idea

3 core ideas

During the research phase, I engaged in contemplation revolving around three key points: "Issey Miyake's approach to clothing creation," "Issey Miyake's philosophy," and "the target audience for this exhibition." This process led me to derive three unique ideas.

←← Scroll →→

Research
  • His approach to clothing creation
    The initial design phase involves creating unique garments using a technique called "garment pleating." Pleats are added after the clothing is sewn into shape, marking the first public display of Issey Miyake's production process.
  • His philosophy
    “I want to create clothing that can be worn freely by many people, just like jeans and T-shirts.”
  • Targets for this exhibition.
    The exhibition aims to provide all visitors, regardless of age, with insights into the process of clothing production, thereby broadening their perspectives and inspiring their creativity.
  • What the poster should tell
    The exhibition focuses on the former part of Issey Miyake's production process - cloth and the way it is processed.
  • The change this poster should cause
    Changing the image of ISSEY MIYAKE's products from "luxury" or "only for fashionable people" to "free and casual"
  • The feeling this poster should invoke in the viewer
    People's interest in this exhibition comes from their pure curiosity and imagination.
Idea
  • Scanning real dress
    In order to showcase the intricate pattern and luxuriously smooth texture of the pleated dress, I scanned it and incorporated those details into the poster. The central image of the poster prominently features one of Miyake's iconic creations, the renowned "PLEATS PLEASE" design, serving as a captivating visual representation of his artistic vision.
  • The creative verb
    From the centered square of the dress, Japanese verbs that convey the notion of "making" emerge, symbolizing the creative process. These verbs are drawn directly from the accompanying the videoOpen in New Window that visitors can watch at the exhibition, offering them an immersive experience.
  • Discovery and impression
    The poster aims to generate curiosity in viewers, as they wonder about its depiction and realize upon closer inspection that the square represents a piece of cloth. This self-driven exploration creates a small discovery experience that leaves a lasting impression of the exhibition.

3: Design

The creative verb

The verbs that express Creation give shape to their respective meanings.

Creative verb

おって : Bending

Creative verb

つないで : Connecting/Linking

Creative verb

ひらいて : Opening

Creative verb

たたんで : Folding

Creative verb

かさねて : Layering / Stacking

Creative verb

ねじって : Twisting

Discovery and impression

When posters catch the attention of people in the streets or at the station, they will undoubtedly wonder, "What is this black square at the center of the poster?" Following their own curiosity, as they approach the poster, they make the discovery, "Oh, it's fabric!"
This transition from "What's that?" to the "Oh, I get it!" discovery experience leaves a significant impression within people. It fulfills the most crucial role of a poster advertisement.

Discovery and impression

4: Solution

Poster Design

Poster design

Leaflet Design

leaflet design
leaflet design
leaflet design

5: Takeaway

5.1 Looking back and moving forward

This graphic design project presented an excellent opportunity for me to engage in prioritizing information and leveraging design principles to their fullest potential. I believe I was able to create poster and leaflet designs that can be intuitively enjoyed without compromising clarity. In particular, the exhibition involved the participation of renowned fashion designer Issey Miyake, graphic designer Taku Sato who handled the exhibition's graphics, and musician Cornelius who provided the music. Drawing inspiration from their creations and artistic vision, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of envisioning what kind of graphics I would offer as the lead designer. These individuals are part of the creative designers and artists whom I deeply admire and respect.