Meaning: The quote you provided is from the renowned Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his innovative and unconventional approach to clothing design. This particular quote offers insight into Miyake's unique method of creating his signature pleated garments, shedding light on the meticulous and labor-intensive process behind their creation.

Miyake's fascination with pleats began in the late 1980s when he introduced his Pleats Please line, which revolutionized the way people perceived and wore pleated clothing. Unlike traditional pleating techniques that relied on heat and pressure to create permanent creases, Miyake's approach involved a more organic and dynamic process.

In dissecting the quote, Miyake describes the intricate method of crafting his pleated garments, emphasizing the human touch and collaborative effort involved in the production. He mentions that the pleats are not merely created through mechanical means but are instead "twist, twist, twist" by two or three individuals working together. This manual manipulation of the fabric highlights the hands-on craftsmanship and artisanal care that goes into each piece.

Furthermore, Miyake's reference to "sometimes three or four persons twist together and put it all in the machine to cook it" provides a glimpse into the final stages of the pleating process. The use of the term "cook" suggests a transformative and almost alchemical procedure, where the pleated fabric undergoes a specialized treatment to achieve its distinctive texture and form. This unconventional approach to garment construction aligns with Miyake's avant-garde and boundary-pushing ethos, as he continually sought to challenge conventional notions of fashion and design.

Miyake's emphasis on the collaborative nature of pleat-making also underscores the communal aspect of his creative process. By highlighting the involvement of multiple individuals in the creation of each garment, he brings attention to the collective effort and expertise that contribute to the realization of his vision. This collaborative spirit not only celebrates the craftsmanship of the artisans involved but also underscores Miyake's commitment to fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within the creative process.

In addition to the technical aspects of pleat-making, Miyake's quote offers a deeper insight into his overarching philosophy as a designer. By foregrounding the labor-intensive and human-centric approach to garment construction, he invites us to consider the intersection of artistry, technology, and tradition in the realm of fashion. His deliberate choice to eschew mechanized methods in favor of manual manipulation speaks to his reverence for the tactile and sensorial qualities of textiles, as well as his desire to imbue his creations with a sense of vitality and human connection.

Overall, Miyake's quote encapsulates the ethos of his design practice, which is characterized by a harmonious blend of innovation, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit. It invites us to appreciate the intricate processes and human ingenuity that underpin the creation of his pleated garments, while also prompting us to reflect on the profound interplay between tradition and modernity in the realm of fashion. Miyake's enduring legacy as a visionary designer is not only evident in his groundbreaking creations but also in the profound insights he has offered into the art of fashion design.