issey miyake + united nude join forces for ‘rock’ and ‘wrap’ shoes

issey miyake and united nude have joined forces to create a collection of shoes that lie at the intersection of functional and fashionable. blending the creative processes of both collaborators, the project elaborates on miyake’s concept of ‘ten sen men’ (point, line and surface), and continues united nude’s approach to shoe design as architecture, using cutting-edge materials and techniques. both ‘rock’ and ‘wrap’ shoes put the wearer at the forefront of the design process, creating footwear that is practical and playful.

the shoes are based on the theme of ‘structure’

the ‘rock’ shoes are based on the concept of ‘structure’ and are characterized by their dynamic, geometric heels that seem to be hewn from stone. fusing functionality — based on structural dynamics — and a colorful playfulness, the collection is available in six hues — white, black, pink, beige, yellow and green.

models at the FW17 show wore ‘rock’ shoes 

‘I considered making shoes that have the functionality needed for daily comfort and which flatter a woman’s foot to be the ultimate form of product design,’ explains issey miyake designer yoshiyuki miyamae. ‘rem d koolhaas’ attitude towards actively incorporating new materials, technologies and constantly pursuing innovative shoe-making, resonates with issey miyake’s perspective on clothes-making. issey miyake proposes its characteristic surprise and humor. the collection contains simple, beautiful products designed from the viewpoint of structural dynamics, the forte of designer and architect, rem d koolhaas.’

dynamic, geometric heels seem to be hewn from stone

‘the way issey miyake and the team have continuously pushed boundaries through material innovations and experimentations is highly inspiring,’ says united nude creative director rem d koolhaas. ‘now to be working with them is really great for me and my team and also a lot of fun! walking through their tokyo studio and seeing what they are working on for the future is just amazing. they are one of the very few companies in high fashion that are true innovators and that are working on cross-seasonal developments. to develop a new advanced totally engineered fabric takes years. for them to approach fashion this way is a true example for the entire industry and it is probably the best way for creating iconic and timeless design.’

the functionality of the shoe is based on structural dynamics

the collection is available in six hues

ISSEY MIYAKE x UN: ROCK
video courtesy of ISSEY MIYAKE INC.

the ‘wrap’ shoes have been designed to envelop the foot in a single sheet of leather. the model has an elastic band that improves the fit, making it a simple and easy style to wear. ‘wrap’ is available in three colors — white, black, and silver — and in both flats and low heels.

the shoes have been designed to envelop the foot in a single sheet of leather

‘wrap’ is available in three colors — white, black, and silver

both flats and low heels complete the collection 

ISSEY MIYAKE x UN: WRAP
video courtesy of ISSEY MIYAKE INC.