This is a hard one... Always said, if and when Issey would pass that would be the time for me to return to Japan. Today I learned he has left us. And I am in the mountains of New York as he was in the mountains of Japan. Issey was the next designer that I had a close model as muse relationship with and then collaborator after Willi Smith and Stephen Burrows. Issey was next level for me as I met him for my first time on the Paris runway. After that booking, I became his go to model from the USA. Issey saw in me the Samurai that I portrayed on his runway. I worked with Issey Miyake through the 70’s. In Paris. New York and Japan. His clothes were Japanese inspired. He would say, “if Bethann doesn’t know how to wear, then we must re-design”. He could count on me to bring life to the garment. I could count on him to inspired me. He began to call me his sister. When he was preparing a big show in Japan he needed me to cast the models and that I did. The best casting that included Grace Jones and other beauties of that time. I couldn’t attend as I was Burrows’ assistant and the collection was due, a conflict which was a disappointment for Issey. Next time he made me promised I would be there and I was able to do so. We did his “East Meets West” book, advertising for Parco and showed the collection in Tokyo and Kyoto. I had cast that show of models as well but this time I was there that made Issey and his team very happy. I also oversaw another Issey Miyake book “Body Works” produced by me and photographed by the late Marcus Leatherdale here in New York. Issey trusted me to deliver and we did. Losing a model I had to step in being partially nude. That’s just a small amount to share in memory of my dear Issey, who meant so much to us all, especially the models of color. He was all in, having us, he saw our value. The photo I chose here is what he was like the decade we spent together. A great talent, humanitarian who developed textiles and encouraged younger designers of Japan. I hate that he too is gone with my other greats..but such is life. And yet I remain...In sha Allah. #isseymiyake #isseymiyakedesigns 🖤🙏🏾🖤