UNIQLO has appointed renowned contemporary artist KAWS as its first-ever Artist in Residence. Beginning with its first collection scheduled for Fall/Winter 2025, KAWS will engage in activities that cross the boundaries of fashion and art, providing a new perspective on the company's LifeWear philosophy.
©Shaniqwa Jarvis/Courtesy of UNIQLO
A New Program Bridging the Gap Between Art and Fashion
UNIQLO's Artist in Residence is the first program to incorporate art into the brand's DNA, rather than just being a one-off collaboration. Upon taking up his new role, KAWS stated, "I look forward to embodying LifeWear in a new way," expressing his enthusiasm for incorporating his vision into everyday clothing. Beyond simple product development, KAWS plans to engage in a wide range of activities, including discovering up-and-coming artists and participating in art events around the world.
Art Reflects the Human Condition
Fast Retailing Global Creative President John C. Jay stated, "In today's rapidly changing world, art reflects the human condition." UNIQLO's "LifeWear" is a garment that expresses values while being integrated into everyday life. The fusion of this philosophy with art is also an experiment in expanding the possibilities of future fashion.
The History of KAWS and UNIQLO
KAWS and UNIQLO's relationship began in 2016. The UT Collection has attracted global attention through numerous collaborations, including "KAWS x PEANUTS," "KAWS x SESAME STREET," and "KAWS + Warhol." These collaborations have led to the new, institutionalized "Artist in Residence" initiative.
Global Art For All
UNIQLO has previously partnered with major art museums around the world, including MoMA (New York), Tate (London), and the Louvre (Paris), promoting its "Art For All" initiative. With KAWS's participation, this philosophy is further deepened. Going forward, we expect fashion and art to take on a new public dimension through events at flagship stores, museums, and international exhibitions.
UNIQLO effortlessly straddles the boundaries between art and fashion, unleashing them in everyday life. KAWS's appointment marks an attempt by the brand to go beyond mere collaboration and embrace art as an "institution" to pass it on to future generations. This new chapter in the intersection of LifeWear and art is sure to become a noteworthy trend in the global fashion scene.
©Shaniqwa Jarvis/Courtesy of UNIQLOA New Program Bridging the Gap Between Art and Fashion
UNIQLO's Artist in Residence is the first program to incorporate art into the brand's DNA, rather than just being a one-off collaboration. Upon taking up his new role, KAWS stated, "I look forward to embodying LifeWear in a new way," expressing his enthusiasm for incorporating his vision into everyday clothing. Beyond simple product development, KAWS plans to engage in a wide range of activities, including discovering up-and-coming artists and participating in art events around the world.
Art Reflects the Human Condition
Fast Retailing Global Creative President John C. Jay stated, "In today's rapidly changing world, art reflects the human condition." UNIQLO's "LifeWear" is a garment that expresses values while being integrated into everyday life. The fusion of this philosophy with art is also an experiment in expanding the possibilities of future fashion.
The History of KAWS and UNIQLO
KAWS and UNIQLO's relationship began in 2016. The UT Collection has attracted global attention through numerous collaborations, including "KAWS x PEANUTS," "KAWS x SESAME STREET," and "KAWS + Warhol." These collaborations have led to the new, institutionalized "Artist in Residence" initiative.
Global Art For All
UNIQLO has previously partnered with major art museums around the world, including MoMA (New York), Tate (London), and the Louvre (Paris), promoting its "Art For All" initiative. With KAWS's participation, this philosophy is further deepened. Going forward, we expect fashion and art to take on a new public dimension through events at flagship stores, museums, and international exhibitions.
UNIQLO effortlessly straddles the boundaries between art and fashion, unleashing them in everyday life. KAWS's appointment marks an attempt by the brand to go beyond mere collaboration and embrace art as an "institution" to pass it on to future generations. This new chapter in the intersection of LifeWear and art is sure to become a noteworthy trend in the global fashion scene.
