UNIQLO unveils forthcoming JW ANDERSON collection

UNIQLO has revealed images and prices for its hotly anticipated JW ANDERSON collection, which arrives in-store and online on 19 September.

The 33-piece collection features ready-to-wear and accessories for men and women and has been inspired by British heritage designs infused with some of Anderson's signature motifs such as ruffles (used on skirts and shirts) and graphic T-shirts and sweaters.

Key items included wool blended quilted jackets for men and women, including a tartan printed version, padded totes and rucksacks, trench coats and fair isle knitwear. Prices start at £14.90 for a T-shirt moving up to £139.90 for a trench coat.

"For me, the point of doing this collaboration was that I believe in democracy in fashion, and what I hope will be achieved is that any age demographic can pick up and find something within the collection to relate to. Doing something with UNIQLO is very interesting. It means you come up with a wardrobe which is universal and quirky," said Jonathan Anderson, the designer behind the JW ANDERSON label.

He added: “I think what UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON have in common is the idea of ‘making a new product’. That’s always fascinating. The idea of reducing something to its essence is a very Japanese cultural thing. It can be culturally, textile, or silhouette driven, but it’s about the idea of reducing something down so that you can create the most impact.”

Jonathan Anderson

Yuki Katsuta, Senior Vice President of Fast Retailing and Head of Research and Design at UNIQLO, said, "This line embodies our shared vision of offering elegance, simplicity, timeless comfort, and individuality through LifeWear. The inspiration for much of the clothing we wear today was the uniforms, work wear, and sportswear that originated in the British Isles. We have combined the energy, creativity, and traditional touches of JW ANDERSON with our fit, fabrics, and functionality, as part of our quest to craft wardrobe essentials that are enduringly appealing."

Northern Irish Anderson is one of the most feted designers working today and the only designer to have won both the womenswear designer of the year and menswear designer of the year prize at the same time at The Fashion Awards, staged by the British Fashion Council - a feat he pulled off in 2015. He shows his own label at London Fashion Week and last month was given an honorary slot at Pitti Uomo in Florence to show his men's SS18 collection.