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As Zara unveiled its Pilati collection, Uniqlo used Paris Fashion Week to commemorate its 40th anniversary.
Uniqlo, the leading brand of the Fast Retailing group, recently showcased its inaugural collection designed by renowned fashion designer Clare Waight Keller. Keller, known for her work on the Uniqlo C lines, brought her signature style to the Japanese fashion chain. Uniqlo unveiled its exhibition, “The Art and Science of Lifewear,” at the prestigious Pavillon Vendôme in Paris. Overlooking the iconic Place Vendôme, the exhibition, open to the public until October 5th, highlights Uniqlo’s latest collection in a setting reminiscent of a traditional Parisian apartment.
Uniqlo’s founder and president, Tadashi Yanai, visited Paris to open the “The Art and Science of Lifewear” exhibition. During the event, Yanai underscored the brand’s “lifewear” philosophy and impressive growth across France and Europe. He highlighted Uniqlo’s commitment to creating innovative, functional clothing. Although Yanai was unavailable for media interviews, the brand’s robust performance in France is precise, with international revenue rising by over 17% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2023-24, reaching nearly €8.1 billion.
The exhibition aimed to introduce the Uniqlo U line, designed by Christophe Lemaire and Sarah Linh Tran, and the brand’s collaborations with JW Anderson and Clare Waight Keller. Visitors explored six themed rooms, each highlighting Uniqlo’s latest collections in the outdoor, sportswear, cashmere, home, urban, and childrenswear categories, all currently available in stores.
The exhibition showcases Uniqlo’s latest fashion trends and demonstrates the brand’s technological achievements. Heattech, a fabric introduced in 2001, is a prime example of Uniqlo’s innovative developments.
The former vault of the Pavillon Vendôme has been transformed into a showcase for Uniqlo’s innovative technologies, which were developed in collaboration with Toray.
Among the showcased technologies are advanced versions of Heattech and fabrics made with nanodesign yarn. This groundbreaking innovation allows Uniqlo to alter the yarn’s structure and create new properties, such as a silky texture or water resistance. Additionally, Puffertech technology enables Uniqlo to replace down feathers in its quilted jackets with a lightweight, warm material that maintains its shape.
Uniqlo’s global head of research and design, Yuki Katsuta, announced plans to develop a new technology further. He revealed that his department has 15 innovations in the pipeline, with some taking up to three years to develop. Uniqlo, known for its high-volume sales, can create exclusive solutions. Katsuta attributed Uniqlo’s success to long-term partnerships with suppliers like Toray, which enable large orders and consistent business throughout the year.
The clothing brand is expanding its global reach by leveraging its technological advancements and collaborating with talented designers. John C. Jay, head of international design, emphasised that Uniqlo is not a truly global brand, noting that a presence in Milan doesn’t guarantee recognition in Rome.
He stressed the importance of empathy in understanding consumer expectations. The brand’s goal for the coming years is to achieve a balanced business across Japanese, Chinese, Asian, European, and US markets while growing through new store openings and upscale offerings.
“It’s a matter of growth,” stated Jay. “Uniqlo and our consumers have evolved over the past 20 years.” Despite this evolution, Jay believes that Uniqlo’s core values remain unchanged. He recalled the brand’s first fleece campaign in 1998, which featured 30-second vignettes of everyday people like teachers and plumbers. Jay emphasised Uniqlo’s continued commitment to authenticity in its collaborations with designers. He concluded that Uniqlo can appeal to fashion-conscious individuals and those seeking functional clothing.
Uniqlo’s strategy of offering timeless essentials alongside collaborations with renowned designers resonates with European consumers.
Uniqlo’s “The Art and Science of Lifewear” exhibition is a must-see for fashion enthusiasts. It offers a glimpse into the brand’s latest technological advancements and stylish collaborations.
From the groundbreaking technologies showcased in the basement to the stylish collaborations featured throughout the exhibition, Uniqlo demonstrates its dedication to creating high-quality, functional clothing.
