Since launching ten years back in 2014, the UNIQLO / INES DE LA FRESSANGE PARIS collection has explored the timeless nature of French chic. The ten years of this collaboration with Ines de la Fressange combine to form a single melody, a concerto that makes LifeWear shine. Drawing to a close, the grand finale.
Her concept is French chic, based on authentic quality and individual values, unconstrained by price or brand. It is a mixing of genres, in a wide range of items, from luxury to vintage, for universal appeal.
2022 Fall/Winter
INES DE LA FRESSANGE
Ines talks about her thoughts on the 10-year collaboration, her approach to craftsmanship, and her message to fans.
Please tell us three design keywords and a design theme for this season.
Quiet luxury, Elegance, Casual chic.
2022 Spring/Summer
The colour palette is also very calm and chic. What was the inspiration behind your colour selection?
UNIQLO is sold worldwide and is worn by all kinds of women, of all ages and styles, so I was looking for universal colours that would draw out the personalities of everyone while bringing a Parisian touch of sobriety and refinement.
LAST COLLECTION
What was the most important point for you in this collection?
I have worked on more than twenty collections for UNIQLO and often I meet women who tell me they still have pieces from many years ago. I am very flattered by this. I think clothes can be real solutions and become pieces we reach for time and time again. I wanted this last collection to be like a capsule wardrobe of essential pieces that embody my motto of less is more.
2017 Spring/Summer
Looking back over the past 10 years, please tell us about your best memories, episodes, and any products that you have a special attachment to.
I particularly remember a black dress that I wore for the advertising campaign of the first collection. We took the picture next to the Ritz Paris, and the feeling was truly haute couture. Also, I remember a collection with many tweed jackets for the photo shoot. It was in Montfort-l'Amaury, which is an old French village, and we really had the impression of being in the last century; it looked rather like pictures in a magazine rather than advertising. Quality is not only in products but also in the way you sell them.
2014 Spring/Summer
What kind of communication did you and Naoki have in the process of creating the collection? Please tell us about any memorable moments.
Of course, Naoki and I were very sad that this is the last collection. We created so many clothes that have been successful and many of them came back to us when working on this collection. Some look so elegant, some were successful against all odds, and many items we are so proud of.
Since the first collection, Naoki and I wanted to give the best quality we could at affordable prices. The main idea was to prove style and elegance were not linked to wealth, with pieces that were easy to style with each other. Dressing up should be easy, quick and playful. Each season we find new ways to interpret French style that fits so many people in so many countries.
With Naoki, we have had a lot of serious moments, as well as laughs and, above all, trust and complicity. I am very sad this wonderful experience is ending but am sure I've gained a real friend, so this is the best.
2015 Spring/Summer
What is your message to your fans?
“Fans” ?!! (laughs) I would rather say “friends”. My advice for women would be to keep going back to Uniqlo and to also look at the men’s collection for themselves because there is often great things for women.
