A Review of Issey Miyake’s New Flagship Store on Madison Ave
PC: Florré
When Issey Miyake announced its relocation to Madison Ave, New York, a rush of excitement vibrated through me. The photos accompanying the announcement post looked promising—towering arched windows pouring a greedy amount of sunlight into the 13,000-square-foot retail space. The interior? A calming hue of gray, arranged by a mix of concrete, white flooring, and glass railings.
I scheduled a visit as soon as possible. I wanted to see the new space in person (and try on some pieces) to review for the site. I was particularly impressed by Issey Miyake’s Fall 2026 show, a collection that has yet to infiltrate the stores. The Japanese designer, while a staple in the East, hasn’t reached the same level of fame in the Western fashion sphere. Something that this new location, right on the corner of Madison Square Park, will certainly begin to influence.
The first thing that struck me as I entered the cavernous space was the music. It was slow and calming, almost trance-like. Back when I was studying marketing, I had a class on music theory and learned how brands use feel-good upbeat tracks to keep shoppers alert. I hadn’t realized how much I expected to be greeted with a pounding bass, when what really welcomed me was an immediate slowing of the nervous system via a collection of meditative tunes (listen to it on my Instagram).
When you think of a traditional Japanese retail space, natural oak wood and various shades of cream might come to mind. The Issey Miyake space diverted from this concept, reminding us that Japanese design is not one-dimensional. The silver-toned space contrasted against the more colorful pieces—the lime green, pink, and baby blue tops and bottoms—with architectural perfection.
The space is separated into sections, from women's and men’s to its many sub-brands like Issey MiyakeME and Homme Plissé. I took my time strolling from one corner to another, entranced by the zen music. I picked up a few pieces to try on, which the sales assistant kindly stored in the fitting room for me.
If you’re a reader of Florré, you know I recently tried on an Issey Miyake skirt at La Garçonne. While I did not find the same piece at this location, an intricately folded and pleated top, gray Bermuda shorts, and a unique black top with not two, but four armholes caught my attention. See all my favorite pieces below.
The Best Pieces From Issey Miyake
I first picked up these Bermuda shorts, which unfortunately only come in one size. There are adjustable buckles on the sides, which, even in their tightest form, left the shorts hanging too low on my hips. Aside from that, the quality of the fabric, the pleating on the sides, and the drape all looked beautiful.
Sculptural Sun Hat (only available in store)
I had to try this hat on as soon as I spotted it. It’s a sculptural masterpiece (that costs $1,300, I believe) that would instantly turn heads if worn anywhere outside.
A signature Issey Miyake top with all its pleating and draping. I immediately fell in love with the asymmetrical sleeves and unique back closure.
Did I think this was a dress when I saw it hanging on the racks? Yes. But then I remembered where I was and that Issey Miyake would never create something so scandalous. This top (also pictured above with the Bermuda shorts) has four sleeves (not meant for your legs, I asked) and a cutout on the right shoulder.
