We hear from Jonathan Anderson about the inspiration behind the collection and his favorite items.
Interview with Jonathan Anderson
What were your inspirations for this collection, and what message would you like to convey to the wearer?
At the beginning of the pandemic, I was lucky enough to be able to spend time outdoors and in my garden in London. For this collection, I was inspired by new beginnings—the idea of spring and renewal.
How did you create the colour palette? What’s the overall mood?
The colours are meant to reflect this idea of nature and earth, with a feeling that’s light and a bit subdued. I went for an overall mood of calmness and a sense of connection to this idea of spring and optimism. The colours are quite comforting.
Why did you choose to feature embroidery this season?
I am a big supporter of craft and everything handmade. I wanted to express that idea with this collection. The blanket stitching feels as if the clothing was made generations ago by your ancestors and the embroidery is like your grandmother’s needlepoint. There’s this sense of authenticity. With the pandemic there’s been a resurgence of craft, and adding the embroidery touches was a nice way to reflect that.
There are really great pieces, from dresses to oversized shirts. How did you decide on the silhouettes?
This season’s silhouettes were created closely with the colour palette for calm, grounded pieces that still have that JW ANDERSON kind of edge to them. Very much a part of the brand’s DNA, yet also reflecting UNIQLO’s simple, modern sensibility.
How would you like people to feel wearing these pieces?
I think now more than ever, whether you’re at home or returning to everyday life again, I just want people to feel good in these clothes. To feel confident, no matter who they are or how they choose to wear them. Comfortable and happy.
What’s your favorite piece in this collection?
I spend all my days looking at and designing clothes so some days—most days really—I don’t like to think too much about what I’m wearing. I live in UNIQLO T-shirts. There is a standardness to them that makes them quite versatile, which is key for me. This season, I really like the ones with the blanket stitching, for a playful sense of colour.