Third Time's the Charm: UNIQLO x JW Anderson
As a college student on a budget, UNIQLO provides me with timeless pieces that I can rewear for years without breaking the bank. While fast fashion is not particularly great for the environment or garment workers in other countries, it is often the only option for those on a budget. However, UNIQLO does not follow the typical fast fashion model, and their basics are known for being timeless pieces rather than just items that will be thrown out after a year.
For years, UNIQLO has sought to make designer pieces accessible to their audiences while maintaining a fairly affordable price point. Over the years, the Japanese retailer has collaborated with several notable designers such as Jil Sander, Christophe Lemaire, and Tomas Maier. For the past three years, UNIQLO has worked with English brand JW Anderson, releasing a collection for Fall/Winter 2017, Spring/Summer 2018, and now, Spring/Summer 2019.
JW Anderson’s third collection with UNIQLO was heavily influenced by British heritage while still catering to UNIQLO’s minimalistic aesthetic. The collection features reversible outerwear, duffle and tote bags, and lots of paisley, a pattern frequently used by Anderson in collections for his namesake brand. In reference to this collection, Anderson said that it was more personal to him and that it was a collection that he could see his little sister purchasing.
UNIQLO’s third collaboration with Anderson is reflective of the designer’s personal views on fashion. Despite being a creative designer for LVMH-owned brand Loewe and having his own luxury brand, Anderson stated in a previous interview that he began questioning the fundamentals of luxury fashion after being appointed creative director of Loewe. Rather than always striving for luxury, Anderson also stresses the importance of the democratization of fashion. His third collection with UNIQLO speaks to this idea, offering tank tops for under $15 and parkas for under $40.
The third UNIQLO x J.W. Anderson collection launched online and select stores on March 7th! To check out more of the collection, click here.
Feature image and pictures of collection via.
