Issey Miyake‘s fall-winter 2012-13 fashion show in Paris last week featured an interesting opening performance showcasing a “steam stretch” technique that transformed pieces of fabric into a variety of fitted dresses.

Shapeless fabrics were hung on the runway at the start of the show and a team of women held steam irons up to them. The items then began to take shape, stretching and shrinking, as pleats activated by the steam were pulled inwards while unresponsive areas puffed out.

The designer Yoshiyuki Miyamae named the Issey Miyake collection “Mineral Miracle,” because of the natural elements built into the instant “steam stretch” technique. It also refers to a selection of the outfits featuring diamond-shaped facets that brake up the cloth, with different colors and fabrics.

Issey Miyake