UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

Peggy was kind enough to make us cups of coffee.

With coffee mug in hand, Jack was deep in his thought as he gazed out the window.

The thirty copies of the book that book hunters are scouring New York for are here, all in pristine condition. What’s more, there’s a handwritten letter by Alexey Brodovitch to the co-author, Edwin Denby, and the original prints of the photography used in the book. When faced with a miracle of this proportion, it’s like we are being tested on the action we are about to take.

“We dream about such miraculous encounters but once it’s in front of us, the fact that we are doing this for business goes out the door. This is a treasure for both Misters Denby and Brodovitch. We can’t take advantage of that,” said Jack.

“I could tell Mr. Denby that there are people interested in these books and ask what he would like to do. Wonder if he’d remember them though. In any case, we need to sort all of this stuff out at some point so I personally would be happy to pass them on to someone who appreciates their value,” said Peggy.

“So let me just see if I can reach him over the phone,” she continued, and headed over to the room to call Mr. Denby. Meanwhile, we moved over to the living room and sat down on the sofa.

“This is a nice sofa. This is a vintage three-seater Poul Kjærholm. Exquisite leather. Everything in this room is so classy. Look, that’s an original Finn Juhl NV45 chair. And that one is a Paavo Tynell brass stand light,” Jack continued.

While Peggy was on the phone, the doorbell rang.

With the phone to her ear, she said, “It’s probably my daughter. Can you buzz her in and open the door as she’ll be up here in no time? Thanks.” Jack pressed the button to unlock the front door.

The intercom to the apartment rang almost immediately, and as we opened the door, we saw a young woman with a baby.

“Oh, hello, is my mom in?” she said.
“Hi, oh, she’s on the phone now,” said Jack.
“Ok, Mom, I’ll let myself in, ok?” she said and entered the room.

We introduced ourselves to which she said, “Hello, nice to meet you. I’m Lisa and this is Ava.”

“Hello there. She’s adorable,” I said.
“She’s only three months old. We are finally able to take her outside now,” she said with a smile.

“Hi Lisa, how have you been? Good of you to make it. Where’s my Ava? Hello my gorgeous!” as soon as she finished her call, Peggy rushed over and gave Lisa a hug.

The breathable mesh material is made of 100% natural cotton, keeping baby’s skin soft and smooth. By using fine two-ply yarn, the fabric is soft and resistant to fuzz and wear and tear.

The stitches have been flattened with a special flat seamer machine, and the stitching has been placed outside, as have the product quality labels. Plastic buttons are used instead of metal for babies in case of potential metal allergies and to minimize the stress to baby’s skin.

Peggy looked so happy holding her granddaughter.
Ava was smiling, tapping Peggy’s cheek with her tiny hands.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t speak to Mr. Denby. He seems to be unwell. I told the person close to him about this situation and he said that Mr. Denby will probably leave all of his stuff to me. So what should we do?” said Peggy while holding Ava.

“We are simply happy that we were able to find Ballet. I think it should be kept like this for the time being. When you do need to clear out these books, we would appreciate it if you can contact us. At that time, we will gladly take them off your hands,” I said, to which Jack nodded in agreement.

“Ok, it’s settled then,” said Peggy and she took out two copies of Ballet from the box and continued. “This is my present to you. I’m sure he won’t notice and get upset if it’s down two copies because he left it like this for so many years.”

The copy that Peggy gave us had Brodovitch’s signature. Jack and I looked at each other, speechless.

“I’m so happy that my granddaughter came here today so you are lucky. Go on now. I’ll definitely let you know if things change,” she said, and rushed us out of the door.

I asked to hold Ava on my way out. There was that distinct baby smell. I touched the soft fabric of her clothing, and it took me back to the time I was loved and looked after my family just like Ava.

Jack and I carefully took a copy of the book each and left the flat. We bid farewell right after. Jack didn’t mention anything about the book.

I got back to my place but was stopped by the building manager who said there was a parcel I should come and collect. I got to his cubicle and was given an old guitar case and a letter. They were from Ken.

“I will treasure A GOLD BOOK. This is a trade with my treasure. I wish you will accept it. Ken”

I took back the guitar case to my room and opened it to discover a rather small-sized guitar. The memo attached said, “This is a 1926 Martin 0-45. Same model Joan Baez played at Woodstock.”

In our conversation earlier, Ken had mentioned that he collects books but also vintage guitars, to which I shared my aspiration of one day owning a Martin from before the war. He had remembered this exchange.

He gave me a treasure of equal value to A GOLD BOOK as a gift.

I immediately phoned and thanked him to which he said, “It’s fine. I’d be happy if you can play it for me one day.”

“What’s your favorite song? I’ll practice that,” to which he said, “I’d have to say, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ by James Taylor.”

You must not go after the money in work. You should always pursue your vision and your dream and do your best to respond to the feelings of others. Be courteous, help each other to build that trust. Those are the fundamentals of work.

Once again, I took those words of my father to heart. The guitar had a soft eloquence to its sound.

The colored stitching around the collars and the legs help to identify the inside and outside of the clothing. The three snap buttons at the inseam are also in different colors to alleviate stress at diaper changes. Age 0-3 month size is a front-open type that’s easy to put on when the baby is on its back. Age 3-24 month size are available as an open crotch type with various colors for both boys and girls.

They won the 2017 “Mother’s Selection Award,” recognized by moms as the No.1 baby rompers moms want to recommend to other moms.

You’ll know when you touch it.
A piece of clothing brimming
with all the love in the world.

BABYMESH INNER
SLEEVELESS
BODYSUIT
(SET OF 2)$9.90

Choose this clothes

What is “LifeWear story 100?”

At UNIQLO,
there exist these lines of clothes
which has remained for many years,
trend-neutral
yet never dated.
Out of the line-ups,
they are the unsung presence,
sitting quietly behind in TV ads.

Yet, they are the culmination
of the years of passion and devotion,
where UNIQLO sought to pursue
more comfort,
more durability, and
more quality.

They give shape and gravitas
to what and who UNIQLO is,
and what UNIQLO continues
to nurture with great care.

To go beyond yesterday,
to reach higher tomorrow.

When you take it in your hands,
when you try it on,
it softly speaks to you,
almost like a friend.

What is a rich quality
lifestyle?
How is such a quality day spent?
What does happiness mean to you…

And you will find yourself
surprised to discover that such
piece of clothing has existed.

What is the UNIQLO principle?
Why do we call clothing LifeWear?
What kind of clothes constitute
LifeWear?

Here, we go deep into
the root of LifeWear,
to know
and to tell.
And I hope to write
stories that revolve
around LifeWear and myself.

LifeWear story 100 will be
a story about a journey with me and LifeWear.

Yataro Matsuura

Essayist, editor. Born 1965 in Tokyo.
For nine years from 2005, under the leadership of the founder, Shizuko Ohashi, he was the chief editor for the magazine, “Kurashi no Techo.” Since, he launched an online media site, “Kurashi no Kihon.” Currently, sits as a director for Oishii Kenko Ltd. Recognized for his eye for style and experience in presenting ideas for quality lifestyle. Regularly writes in his columns in newspapers and magazines. Has penned numerous best-sellers including “Kyo mo Teinei ni” and “Shigoto no Kihon Kurashi no Kihon 100.” Hosts a radio program on NHK Radio 1, “Karen Style.”