We spoke to Jonathan Anderson about the concept and inspiration behind the Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
Can you tell us about this season’s concept and collection? What about mid-century design and craft appealed to you for this collection?
I was looking at garments that artists would wear whilst working, and also at the different techniques used in architecture and in the arts back then. For example, the abstract prints in the collection are inspired by British tapestry weaving techniques, as well as the colour palette used in each of the pieces this season.
A lot of the styles and silhouettes are based on artists' clothes, painters' smocks; garments that artists would wear whilst working.
Can you tell us more about the colour palette this season?
The colour palette is inspired by mid-century British artists’ work as well as the use of bright primary colours. In this collection, we have softer muted natural tones from artists' workwear.
Tell us about the pieces you’re most excited about.
The pieces with graphic texture inspired by textile crafts.
Can you tell us about your decision to partner with real artists living in London for the campaign?
We thought it would make so much sense to feature the collection worn by real artists. This is who the inspiration comes from, so it feels organic.
What other art forms do you tap into to feel inspired?
Inspiration can always come from very different types of art, like a film or a piece of furniture.
What makes you excited to partake in this collaboration every season?
Over the years, we’ve formed such a good relationship with UNIQLO, each collection building upon the last. There’s a place for everything in creativity and we’ve learned how to translate our ideas to appeal to a broader demographic. There's a lot of collaboration between our teams.
What are some of the challenges you face when you’re starting a new collection?
Fundamentally, fashion often functions as a mirror on society - so in this way, fashion must always change with it. Across the various projects and brands I work with, I always put my all in – so people can buy into it, whether through my own brand or now through collaborating with UNIQLO. It always requires a different avenue of my brain, when each collection answers to different parts of the market.
What does quality mean to you? How do you define LifeWear?
UNIQLO has such a broad, global audience, so it forces you to think differently. The collection has to appeal to many demographics. But I think many people relate to the product – they get the essence of the brand at an amazing quality.
I believe fashion has never been more popularised and mainstream than it is now, but ultimately, I think less is more. It’s about function and tangible reality.
Also, with UNIQLO there’s always their incredible capabilities. They’re masters at technical fabrication development, and that is quality.