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A plastic bustier is causing quite a stir in the fashion world, and it’s no wonder. This sculptural breastplate is from the iconic house of the late Japanese designer Issey Miyake, first introduced as part of his Autumn-Winter 1980-81 collection. Now, this unique piece is set to go on sale soon, although it won’t be cheap.
The starting bid is expected to be $26,000 to $35,000, according to Sotheby’s. Crafted from molded acrylic with a gleaming bronze finish, the breastplate offers an eye-catching shine, making it a true collector’s item in the fashion industry. (Also read: London Fashion Week makes history as first major event to ban exotic animal skins starting in 2025 ,
What’s so special about Miyake’s breastplate?
Sotheby’s official Instagram recently shared a video highlighting the significance of Issey Miyake’s iconic plastic bustier. Fashion and textile designer Lucy Bishop, who also works at Sotheby’s, revealed fascinating details about the sculptural piece. She explains, “This unprecedented creation by Issey Miyake was molded into the actual human form. It was the final look of his autumn-winter 1980-81 collection.” Bishop also highlighted how Miyake’s innovative approach inspired the fashion industry to explore new shapes and boundaries in apparel design.
According to Lucy Bishop, Issey Miyake’s wearable sculpture of a plastic bustier united both the fashion and art worlds. By designing this groundbreaking piece, Miyake created something that appealed to both fashion enthusiasts and contemporary art collectors alike. “The back is sloped to make it comfortable for the wearer. It even has its original sticker,” says Bishop.
Miyake’s fashion sculpture is now worth $50,000
Lucy explained the bustier’s shine and explained that it was achieved with car paint. Miyake also produced these statues in multiple colors, making them even more desirable for collectors who wanted to obtain them all.
The Issey Miyake breastplate is not only a phenomenal fashion piece, but it was also worn by famous Jamaican singer Grace Jones to her birthday party, specifically the blue version. Highlighting its cultural significance, Lucy Bishop concludes, “This breastplate is part of the collections of many prestigious museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is why it is valued at up to $50,000.”
The Issey Miyake breastplate will debut at auction during the Fashion Icons sale at Sotheby’s in New York City on December 17.
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