The special exhibition "TYPE-XIII Atelier Oï project by A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE" is being held at Gallery 3 at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Roppongi, Tokyo from October 1 to November 24. This exhibition marks the first time in Japan that a new lighting project, created in collaboration with Swiss-based design studio atelier oï, will be unveiled.

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

Light created by a single piece of cloth and a single wire
The current exhibition is an attempt to expand the concept of "a single piece of cloth," which A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE has explored for many years, from clothing to lighting. In collaboration with atelier oï, two series, "O Series" and "A Series," were born that explore the relationship between cloth, wire, and light.

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

The "O Series" is a portable lamp that casts a soft light through the pleats. The design is based on the idea of "arranging light" in a space, just as you would arrange flowers to suit the season or the person who will be welcoming you. The recycled polyester material, created using A-POC's unique "Steam Stretch" technology, brings out the texture of the fabric and creates a dreamy shadow effect.

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

On the other hand, the "A Series" is a seamless knitted shade that returns to the origins of A-POC. The shape is pre-knitted into a tubular knit and can be freely changed by inserting wire. The size and form can be determined to suit the space by changing where the continuous fabric is cut, visualizing the infinite possibilities of fabric.

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

Designer Miyamae Yoshiyuki talks about the philosophy of "arranging light"
At the preview held the day before the opening, designer Miyamae Yoshiyuki, who heads A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE, acted as our guide. Miyamae said, "Lighting is not something that we replace that often in our daily lives. That's why I wanted to create lighting that can be arranged to create light while imagining the guests and the seasons, just like arranging flowers."

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

Just as the name suggests, the O Series uses a single wire and magnet to allow the user to freely change the fabric, and to choose the angle and position at which to install it. Miyamae emphasized that "by leaving room for half creator and half recipient, the user can participate in the design of the light."

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

Furthermore, regarding the A Series, she said, "It's an homage to A-POC, which was started by Issey Miyake in 1998. The idea of weaving products into knitwear beforehand and then cutting them out was revolutionary even back then. With the evolution of technology, it has now become possible to expand into different areas such as clothing and lighting," she said, speaking of the future possibilities hidden in fabric.

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

A future where light and fabric intersect
This exhibition is an attempt to expand the concept of clothing and bring new forms of light into everyday life. By combining the material research and technology cultivated by ISSEY MIYAKE with the structural approach of atelier oï, the universal material of "fabric" is transformed into a medium that manipulates light.

photo by ©FASHION HEADLINE

In the middle of the city, a single piece of fabric creates light and shadow. In that blank space, there is room for the imagination of each viewer and user to intervene. "TYPE-XIII" is a project that connects fashion and design, everyday life and art, and is sure to redefine the future of fabric.





About A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE
A-POC means "A Piece of Cloth." A-POC, introduced by Issey Miyake in Paris in 1998, has revolutionized the clothing manufacturing process with its new concepts, evolving with an eye on the times. Launched in 2021, A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE is a brand that aims to make A-POC's limitless potential a reality in society. Led by Yoshiyuki Miyamae, the engineering team values communication between creators and consumers, exploring new possibilities in manufacturing through new encounters with different fields and industries.


About atelier oï
Atelier oï was founded in 1991 in La Neuveville, Switzerland by Aurèle Aebi, Armand Louis, and Patrick Raymond. Their activities embody a spirit of teamwork and a deep connection with materials. Our multidisciplinary team of 40 people combines architecture, interior design, product design and scenography to reinterpret natural phenomena and craftsmanship, working across disciplines. In addition to our work on humanitarian projects in Cambodia, we have gained global acclaim through our numerous awards and collaborations with a wide range of global brands.