issey miyake's wool shell knit swirls like a seashell

INSPIRED BY SMALL SHELLS PICKED WHILE STROLLING ON THE BEACH

issey miyake has unveiled its latest knitting innovation — the wool shell knit. as part of the brand’s fall/winter 2020-2021 collection dubbed as the way it comes to be, the series of products have been rendered in natural colors and shapes found in nature.

inspired by small shells picked while strolling on the beach, issey miyake’s wool shell knit boasts a twisted texture that becomes a checkered pattern once it’s unfolded. the unique material features a links knitting technique that results in a three-dimensional look in a warm lecture of wool and nylon.

THE WOOL SHELL KNIT BY ISSEY MIYAKE

using a combination of wool and nylon thread, the new checkered pattern by issey miyake is knit with a links stitch that creates a three-dimensional look resembling spiral shells. the compactly wound knit has its twists expand when worn, creating a soft, light form.

‘see them as a group of seashells, winning up in a delicate formation. touch them, and feel the soft knit texture, opening and closing, as your fingers trace the ups and downs. wear them, as if enveloped by seashells to experience the garments animated with every move.’

the wool shell knit launch was accompanied by a stop motion animation by japanese designer tomohiro okazaki (see more on designboom here). the 2-minute video shows the whole collection, its flexibility and how the knit is able to hug the body, move, and breathe.

‘the animation in the video is made by taking out the movement from the composition and physical characteristics of the wool shell knit,’ said okazaki. ‘starting with the details of the structure of the clothes that swirl like a shell, the image moves so that you can experience the texture and design.’

the collection is composed of two dresses, two tops, a set of pants, two bags, one pair of gloves, a hat, and a pair of socks — all available starting november 1st.