Issey Miyake Presents Indian Craftsmanship in TriBeCa

Best known for a series of landmark exhibitions of Indian textiles in the 1980s and ‘90s, Singh made it his mission to spread the impeccable beauty and craftsmanship of his home country’s textiles, introducing them to fashion and design scenes internationally. Singh began collaborating with Issey Miyake in the 1980s, since creating a series of clothing that was referred to as a “dialogue with Indian culture”—a dialogue that has continued into the present day with Issey Miyake collaborator, Makiko Minagawa’s brand, HaaT.

To create the fine Khadi textiles, craftsmen begin hand-spinning cotton on a charkha spinning wheel, one thread at a time, before handweaving them together using traditional techniques. Embroidery, beading, prints, and other embellishments are often added to the soft, airy fabric, turning the lightweight textiles into exquisite wearable works of art like open-silhouette blouses, tunics, robes, coats, and accessories.