UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura｜Women Compact Cotton Crewneck T-shirt

We met up with Rowena on the platform of the 125th Street station in Harlem.

It wasn’t far but I was so happy to be able to go out with Asha.
It was like we were taking a bit of a trip together.

Asha had on this crisp, white long-sleeve t-shirt with oversize vintage jeans, a pair of work boots, and a Yankees baseball cap worn backwards.

Being where it is, the station was dominated by non-whites, mainly African-American and Hispanic people.

Every time a young person passed, Asha would be checking out their outfits and their bold use of color and say, “Wow, so cool!”

Rowena had on her usual tank top and came to our meeting place 10 minutes late.

“Always 10 minutes late, the usual Rowena time.”

Asha poked fun at Rowena, to which she responded,
“Well, excuse me,” and pulled up Asha’s long t-shirt.

As it nearly exposed her breasts, Asha got angry and said, “Hey stop that!” Rowena came back with a bit of a laugh and teasingly said, “I see you have a pink bra today.”

“See, around here where there are loads of people, it’s safe. But the more north you go, there are less people, and it’s more dangerous.”

Rowena said, with a bit of tension.
There was garbage scattered everywhere.
Not the cleanest place, but it had its own distinct energy and vibrancy.

“Ok, let’s go!”
said Asha and briskly started leading the way.

“Hey, don’t go if you don’t know which way you are going,” said Rowena and braced her arms around Asha as they started to giggle and play around like two sisters and continued on their way.

“Did you know that Harlem is a Dutch word that means ‘paradise?’ This was where the Dutch people owned their summer homes back in the day.”

Rowena showed us around pointing to different spots on site. There were rows of stores on the high street but as soon as you stepped onto the side streets, you saw shops that were closed and buildings with broken windows.

It was a shock to find that in Harlem, you didn’t see the typical New York yellow cab. Instead, you found these green-colored taxis called gypsy cabs. With many of them, you tell them your destination and negotiate the fare before the journey begins.

When we were about to pass by the famous Apollo Theater, built in the 1860s, Asha suddenly stopped in her tracks.

A wardrobe standard, the long-sleeve t-shirt has completely evolved with a new material, fit, and neckline.

It uses compact cotton thread that achieves the optimal texture and sheerness. Using a thicker yarn has helped to give sturdiness to the fabric, preventing inner layers from showing through so you can easily enjoy it as a single layer. The fraise stitch offers amazing lateral stretch and helped to improve the fit and stretch.

Asha put a hand over her mouth with amazement and said, “Wait, I know that person….”

Asha was looking over at the three women and a man standing at a corner.

“Isn’t that Maripol? It’s definitely her. She’s my idol. Why is she here? Oh, this is unreal!”

Asha was in such excitement and said, “Oh I don’t know what to do! What should I do?”

“Who’s Maripol?” I asked.

“She’s a stylist, a photographer, and a fashion designer. She’s famous for being the stylist for Madonna and she’s also an art director for Fiorucci, and she also designed those rubber bracelets that everyone is hooked on. To Asha, she is THE most stylish and coolest person in New York. She’s her idol. See, that one in a t-shirt with sleeves cut off with slim black jeans, the one standing in the middle.”

Rowena explained for Asha.

“Wait, that skinny guy, that’s Klaus Nomi!”

I didn’t know anything about this Maripol, but obviously she was, for Asha and Rowena, the most influential creative artist in the New York underground scene.

“Asha, go talk to them. This is a rare opportunity,” I said but she went, “No, no, no, I can’t, no, really.”

The lady who seems to be Maripol was speaking to her friends, smoking a slim cigarette.

This is when I recalled one of my life lessons. In those moments in your life, never let embarrassment take over because you will regret it.

I wanted to show Asha my good side, and given I had no idea who she was, I decided to go up and talk to her myself.

“Hello, are you Maripol?”

Blowing a smoke, she said, “Oh hi, yes, I’m Maripol. Have we met somewhere?” with a smile.

For a moment, I was taken aback with those eyes,
so striking and beautiful.

“No, we’ve never met, but my girlfriend is a huge fan, so do you mind just saying hi? She works at the Coffee Shop.”

“Oh, that lovely girl over there? Sure thing!”

Maripol said hi to Asha and waved her over to come.

“Hi Maripol, how do you do? My name is Asha.”

“Oh, you are so adorable! How do you do?” said Maripol and gave a big hug.

Because we want a basic for all generations to enjoy. So that it can be a piece for a layered look as well as a single layer style. After much trial and error, we have perfected the long-sleeve T-shirt.

We’ve sought for a neckline design that is not too deep and not too high, to beautifully highlight your décolleté. We paid particular attention to the length, which goes well with any bottom and achieves a versatile style. As an A/C-proof layer during the summer as well as an inner layer for your jacket in autumn, it’s a must for your travel bag, because this is one seriously handy piece that you can enjoy over many seasons.

The clean and stylish piece
you want to keep on wearing.

WOMENCOMPACT COTTON
CREWNECK
LONG-SLEEVE
T-SHIRT$14.90

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.”