Remembering Issey Miyake! Why Steve Jobs wore the same T-shirt from the designer everyday - Times of India (2024)

Among the many things the king of pleats

Issey Miyake

will be remembered for will be the iconic turtleneck black T-shirt worn by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The legendary designer provided

Steve Jobs

his signature look that has already gone down in history.
The Apple co-founder explained in his biography titled Steve Jobs, how he got in touch with Issey Miyake and asked him to make some black turtlenecks.

The designer made around hundred pieces for him. This happened in the 1980s and Steve Jobs, who was never known for his style, suddenly became a style icon. All thanks to the Japanese designer.
It so happened that Steve Jobs had asked Miyake to design a uniform for his employees working at Apple. The idea behind designing the uniform was to create a sense of camaraderie among the employees who don't have to feel embarrassed about not having cool outfits to wear daily. But when he shared this idea with his team, they weren't too keen on it and therefore Steve ended up getting all the T-shirts designed for himself. The turtleneck Miyake designed was equal parts casual and comfortable. That is the reason why, we have always seen Steve Jobs pictured in a black turtleneck tee and blue denims. This became his signature style.
It was designer Issey Miyake, who brought the turtleneck into the forefront of the fashion world. He was a maverick and his legacy will live on through his designs.


As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of fashion history and design, I can confidently share insights into the iconic collaboration between Issey Miyake and Steve Jobs that left an indelible mark on both technology and fashion.

Issey Miyake, the king of pleats, holds a significant place in the world of fashion. His innovative and avant-garde approach to design has shaped the industry in profound ways. One of his enduring contributions is the iconic turtleneck black T-shirt that became synonymous with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

The collaboration between Issey Miyake and Steve Jobs took place in the 1980s, a pivotal era when technology was on the rise. Steve Jobs, known for his visionary contributions to the tech industry, sought Miyake's expertise in creating a distinctive look for Apple employees. This collaboration resulted in the creation of a uniform, intended to foster a sense of camaraderie among the employees.

However, the initial plan to have all Apple employees wear the designed uniform did not materialize, as Steve Jobs' team was not enthusiastic about the idea. Undeterred, Jobs decided to adopt the T-shirts for himself. Issey Miyake crafted around a hundred black turtleneck T-shirts for Jobs, a design that seamlessly blended casual and comfortable elements.

The turtleneck tee and blue denim combo became Steve Jobs' signature style, transforming him from a tech visionary with little emphasis on fashion to a style icon. Issey Miyake's design prowess brought the turtleneck into the forefront of the fashion world, showcasing its versatility and timeless appeal.

This collaboration not only reflects the intersection of technology and fashion but also highlights the transformative power of a well-designed wardrobe. The legacy of Issey Miyake persists through designs that transcend conventional boundaries, and the black turtleneck remains an enduring symbol of Steve Jobs' impact on both the tech and fashion realms.

Remembering Issey Miyake! Why Steve Jobs wore the same T-shirt from the designer everyday - Times of India (2024)
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