Issey Miyake, Designer of Steve Jobs Turtleneck and Unused Apple Corporate Uniform, Dies Aged 84

Issey Miyake, the Japanese fashion designer who designed the black mock turtleneck sweater for Steve Jobs, has died at the age of 84.

Miyake built a prolific global high fashion brand and developed a unique relationship with Steve Jobs. Jobs was impressed by Sony's corporate uniforms, which the company had imposed since 1946 to encourage a professional look and forge a bond with colleagues.

Miyake was hired by Sony to design a jacket for its 35th anniversary. The taupe rip-stop nylon jacket had no lapels and was able to be converted into a vest.

Jobs asked Miyake to create a similar vest for Apple employees. Miyake's jacket for Apple hit a stumbling block when Jobs came back with samples and pitched the idea of an Apple corporate uniform to employees. Jobs said that he got booed off the stage. Everyone disliked the idea.

In order to reduce decision fatigue and form a visual identity, Jobs chose to wear a uniform of Levi's and New Balance. He asked Miyake to give him a large number of black turtleneck sweaters at a discounted price. Jobs said that he had enough to last for the rest of his life.

After the death of Jobs, sales of the black mock turtleneck spiked. The sweater came back later that year for $270.

According to reports, a private funeral has already taken place for Miyake.