Uniqlo knows a thing or two about elevating basic apparel into a highly sought after collectible item. The evergreen retailer has built a foundation on partnering with external designers to diffuse their influences into everyday garments, and the results for the most part have been received with critical appraise. It also allows brands that are often out of reach for most consumers become more accessible, and that’s always a good thing. Uniqlo definitely know their shit, and here are the best hits from the brand’s numerous collabs.
Uniqlo UU
Renowned Japanese label UNDERCOVER partners with the brand to release a for all collection comprising of outerwears at ridiculously cheap prices. Takahashi himself said that now more people can buy UNDERCOVER pieces, and honestly, we’re okay with that.
Uniqlo X Takashi Murakami
The brand tapped into one of the more iconic pop culture figures in Japanese history, Doraemon. Along with it, enlisted pop artist, Takashi Murakami to fill up Doraemon’s body with his floral printwork. Suffice to say, popularity shot through the roof when these dropped, and the Doraemon plushy flew off the shelves and into the resell market, with resellers hoping to make a quick buck on a collectible that quickly became an instant classic.
Uniqlo X Jill Sander
Jill Sanders “+J” collection was definitely one for the books in Uniqlo’s list of collaborations. Debuting in 2009, the collection went on for another 5 seasons before getting taken off. However, reception and demand was so strong that Uniqlo brought back the line for a best of +J in 2014 and 2014, kind of like a greatest hits album.
Uniqlo X J.W. Anderson
The Irish designer brings forth British heritage designs, forwarded to be worn into present day. Shirts like the mismatched striped t-shirt sold particularly fast, mimicking colours that reflect the very rare British sunset by the beach.
Uniqlo X Tomas Maier
Tomas Maier came in and introduced swimwear to Uniqlo’s growing roster. The Creative Director for Bottega Veneta presented a very casual look, sporting plenty of earthy colours and relaxed cuts to his collection.
Uniqlo X Christophe Lemair
One that needs no introduction, boasting a CV that not many people can compete. Helming the reigns as the Creative Director of Hermes, and running his own label, the eccentric designer announce his collaboration with the brand, combining clean French aesthetics with Japanese flair, maintaining the heigh-end look while also being kind to the wallet.
Uniqlo X KAWS
It’s not really uncommon knowledge that KAWS has made a name for himself, from multiple collaborations including Jordans, and very recently, with Dior Homme as part of their SS18 Collection. Now, the brand has carricaturised Sesame Street, imbued with the signature double X across the eyes. We can all get a piece of KAWS now.
