What is the core concept of the collection for Spring/Summer 2022?
The concept of Uniqlo U remains the creation of functional, universal, essential pieces that allow for freedom of movement, and that are designed to last and bring solutions to everyday life. This is in accordance with the UNIQLO concept of LifeWear. So there are no new concepts, but different vibes, season after season. This season was very much about creating better fabrication, and trying to bring a fresh twist.
How does the Uniqlo U SS22 collection speak to the time we’re living in today?
More than ever, the philosophy behind Uniqlo U and UNIQLO in general is relevant to today. It’s about creating good clothes that are utilitarian and desirable, and creating pieces that you want to keep and that last a long time—and hopefully become integral to your wardrobe. What’s happening today is that everyone realises we don’t need so many clothes. We don’t need so many objects around us. We just need the right ones. And this is what we’re trying to create.
Many of the clothes in this collection are designed for commuting and to be flexible in an urban environment. How do you commute to work, what pieces from the collection would you wear when traveling around Paris, and why?
Well, it’s interesting to see how commuting habits have changed. And recently, in every big city, like here in Paris, we have had a big transformation in the way we commute, with the appearance of more and more bikes. I myself am biking to work because, at the end of the day, it’s much easier to go from one place to the other in a quick and healthy way. The whole team has had this in mind more and more. For instance, we tried to design practical bags, different raincoats that are not too long, and that had slits on the side, and that had practical hoods and other details for protection from unfortunate weather or chilly days.
Can you tell us about the key pieces in the collection, and what makes them ideal for city life?
We designed some of the key pieces to suit people of all genders. It’s interesting to know that, more and more, this unisex dimension that we always believed in is resonating with customers. One example is the roomy, boxy blouson. It’s a very simple rain blouson but quite special because it’s a little bit oversized, with the hood integrated in the collar, and it's made from a very specific crispy, water-repellent cotton. What we always find interesting is adding a twist to these iconic pieces through the material, volume, and colours. This season we came up with faded colours and neutrals for a colour palette that’s a bit unusual.
What is the colour range this season, and why did the team gravitate towards those colours?
We tried to create colours that we can easily match, and that are not too loud. It’s really about subtlety and trying to find interesting neutrals that are as refined as possible: sage green, sands, light navy, and faded sunsets, but also highlights of bright orange or vermillion. And, as always, shades of black, charcoals, whites, and white with a hint of green.
Often it’s the details that make a good garment great: the sleeve width, or the placement of a pocket, etc. Can you tell us about some of your favourite details in this collection? And what makes the pieces in this collection “essentials with character?”
It can be a very thin line between basic design, and boring design. UNIQLO is all about creating essentials with character. We care a lot about the little details that make all the difference: whether that's the size, the design or volume of a sleeve, or choosing from fifty shades of beige to find the perfect colour. This collection, we worked a lot on the volume of sleeves. If you look carefully at the volume of the blouson or the kimono sleeve T-shirt and T-shirt dress; those are good examples of how essential pieces can have character.
This is the 12th season of Uniqlo U. From the very first collection, what do you feel has changed in the way the team designs the clothes, and what has stayed the same?
It’s interesting, because looking back on our first meetings with the team, everything was there. It was very much the same concept and same philosophy. What has changed is that we just refined it season after season. We want to constantly improve the fabrication and design. We understand what is more relevant and what is less so. We address people from very different backgrounds, countries, ages, and social groups to understand what people need. We fine-tune, but basically, it’s the same direction as it was from the beginning.
What is the colour palette this season, and why did the team gravitate towards those colours?
We tried to create colours that we can easily match, and that are not too loud. It’s really about subtlety and trying to find interesting neutrals that are as refined as possible: sage green, sands, light navy, and faded sunsets, but also highlights of bright orange or vermillion. And, as always, shades of black, charcoals, whites, and white with a hint of green.
Can you tell us about future Uniqlo U collections?
From now on, we are still looking in the same direction. Very much following the core concept of Uniqlo, which is bringing solutions to everyday life through clothing.