UNIQLO TEAMS UP WITH JW ANDERSON ON NEW COLLECTION

jw anderson
by Stephen Garner
jw anderson
Jonathan Anderson

Japanese retailer Uniqlo has announced a design collaboration with renowned British fashion brand JW Anderson. The new collection will include men’s and women’s items and will launch worldwide at Uniqlo stores and online from the fall/winter 2017 season. The range will bring together the British heritage of JW Anderson and the everyday comfort and perfection that Uniqlo pursues in terms of fit, fabric, and functionality through its LifeWear concept.

Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson established JW Anderson in 2008. At first an elaborate collection of accessories, it quickly attracted attention and enabled the fledgling label to show on-schedule during the 2008 London Fashion Week season. The success of this debut collection earned both critical acclaim and commercial success for Anderson, whose label is now regarded as one of London’s most innovative and forward thinking brands.

“Collaborations are incredibly important in design,” said Anderson. “When I think of Uniqlo, I think of things that are perfectly made, that people have spent a lot of time considering; it’s a difficult job, and I think Uniqlo do it very well. Working with Uniqlo is probably the most incredible template of democracy in fashion, and it’s nice that my design can be accessible to anyone, on all different levels.”

“Much of the clothing we wear today has a long history, and many styles originated from uniforms or work wear,” added Yuki Katsuta, senior vice president of Fast Retailing and head of research and design at Uniqlo. “The British Isles constitute a treasure house of such apparel, with duffle coats and fisherman’s sweaters being just two examples. In partnering with JW Anderson, one of Britain’s most innovative and creative brands, we will tap into traditions while pursuing progress in designs and fabrics, to craft styles that are enduringly appealing.”