PARIS, Oct 2, 2006 / FW / - In a poignant, sweet and heartwarming catwalk show for the Issey Miyake Spring 2007 collection, Naoki Takizawa said goodbye to a standing ovation of his fans and admirers as he embarks into launching his own label that will also be financed by the House of Issey Miyake.

Starting with his signature ‘transformation’ dresses, Naoki Takizawa showed 13 distinct looks of mini apron dresses; wrap skirts, and frocks with spaghetti straps. Tiny floral prints made indistinct by micro accordion pleats, it was a subtle representation of spring, especially when shown with ecru and black as the other color staples.

As he said in his press notes, ‘like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, simple pieces are transformed,’ when the 13 models stood together in the beginning of the runway, they untied and undid knots to come up with an entirely different look from the previous.

The mini apron dress became a floor length lounging gown; the wrap skirt became a cocktail dress with an asymmetrical hemline while the frocks with spaghetti straps became cover-ups for swimsuits.

Though not necessarily a retrospective, Naoki Takizawa showed in three segments his trademark creations during his tenure at Issey Miyake that respected the House’s code but entirely Takizawa.

Every exit was a new construction, a part of the Spring 2007 collection. But it has Takizawa’s distinct marks, like the second segment, which featured denim.

Trousers and jackets done in jacquard woven rose printed denim with a lamé yarn and a chemical wash. Slim fitting and sleekly tailored, the denim were sometimes matched with sheepskin leather that had undergone the trademark 4 stages processing of the maison.

Commonly known to fashion journalists and retail buyers, yet barely known to the general public, one of the strengths of the House of Issey Miyake is its innovation with fabric manufacture, fabrication and treatment.

Naoki Takizawa, as a farewell gift to his fans and the House of Issey Miyake highlighted it this season, more than usual.

Still, it was the last segment that brought down the house. The collection, which is entitled ‘A Rose In The Desert,’ this theme really shone through.

Apron dresses with the ‘apron’ represented as crocheted lace of jute thread representing the veins of the petals or intertwined rose bushes. The same concept was used in shift dresses, except that this time the jute thread was embroidered on the fabric.

Continuing on the rose theme, fabrics were laser cut, pleated and then sewn on to dresses to represent the thorns of the rose or the sepals of the flower.

And of course, the rose itself was represented magnificently as they became tops and blouses of evening dresses, the model’s upper torso covered with the flower itself.

With its delicate construction and perfect proportion, the ‘rose’ did not overpower but instead showed off the face of the wearer.

THANK YOU Naoki for this beautiful parting gift! A rose might be a rose even called by a different name, yet the rose you gave your audience today is both a symbol of your creativity and gentleness as a person.

Issey Miyake by Naoki Takizawa

Issey Miyake by Naoki Takizawa

Issey Miyake by Naoki Takizawa

Issey Miyake by Naoki Takizawa

Issey Miyake by Naoki Takizawa

Issey Miyake by Naoki Takizawa

Naoki Takizawa on the runway