UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

For thenext few days, Asha was a bit different.

When she came home from her work at the café,

she would often sit and look as though something was occupying her mind. She would pull up a chair near the window and sit, looking out of the window for hours.

“What’s wrong? Anything the matter?”

“No, I’m fine. I just want to think. Don’t worry.”

“Let me know, I’ll be here.”

“Thanks, will do when I need to talk to you about it.”

Then, she would let out a sigh and return her far gaze out the window.

As for me, my antique book business with Jack was going well, and our client base was growing. But with the trade handling precious and expensive books coming to a close, I was a bit on edge.

I tried to share everything about my work with Asha. But her response was nothing close to what it used to be. “That’s great, keep it up,” she said and quickly retracted back to her own little world.

One day, when I felt that we were sort of drifting apart on the inside, I decided to take Asha out for a walk in Central Park. The proper winter chill had set in, so we both decided to put on our down jackets for the first time this year.

“Yes, this is our first down jacket of the year.”

“You’re right — we should wrap up warm.”

“Do we need scarves, you think?”

“Yeah, it would be cold in Central Park. Let’s put them on.”

We had on our down jackets of the same size but in different colors (Asha liked the baggy look). When we went shopping one time, Asha suggested that we buy different colors so we can both choose depending on our mood that day. We had a brown and a gray.

“You are gray and I’m brown. We should swap later on, too,” said Asha.

Through the chilly winds, we walked down Central Park West, holding hands.

One of her favorite building was the apartment building at 55 Central Park West where they shot the movie Ghostbusters. Whenever we walked in front of the art deco architecture, she would always say, “I wish I could live here one day.”

Then, she tightened her hold on my hand and said,
“So, can I talk to you about something? There’s something going on I don’t know what to do about…”

With exceptional warmth and lightness, the Ultra Light Down Jacket this year has gone under a stylish makeover. 90% fluffy down feather is airy and has high heat-retention properties, and 10% feather gives it the fullness it needs. Ultra Light Down boasts 640+ fill power (550+ is considered high-quality), so we can be proud of its amazing lightness and heat retention.

We’ve achieved a sophisticated look with an ultra-fine nylon matte taffeta on the outside and a narrowed space between the quilt stitching.

We sat down on a bench under the large oak tree.

“Do you remember that elderly lady from the café? The one with the sweater, lost her daughter to an illness?”

“Of course, I remember. She was so taken with you that she started coming to the café every day.”

“Yes, that’s her. She’s fluent in English but she is actually French and she’s decided to sell her apartment in New York and return to Paris next month.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. You liked her so like she was your own mother…”

“Well, I told her that I’m studying to be a fashion designer and she was so excited for me. So, I gave her some of what I had made. She was so impressed and started to show off the clothes to a number of people.”

“Your clothes are simple and comfortable, so I’m sure she found it so easy to wear. It’s great that she loved them.”

“I know, but she suggested that I should be in Paris if I’m going to be designing clothes and asked that I come and live with her in Paris. Apparently, her cousin runs a famous brand there so she says that I could work and study there…”

I was in shock. No wonder she looked as though she was not in this world for the last few days.

“When is she moving back?”

“Next month. She says that she’ll look after everything for me, so I should just come as I am. What do you think?”

I didn’t know what to say.
Asha going to Paris meant that we may have to part ways. But this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her. I didn’t want her to go but I couldn’t stop her from going. I was completely lost for words.

“When do you need to get back to her by?”

“Tomorrow. I promised her I’ll have my decision by tomorrow. Of course, I told her about you and she said that we should really sit down and talk.”

“Why don’t we walk and talk? Oh yeah, have you heard about a lovely bakery just by the park?”

Asha said in a lighthearted town to lighten the burden that was around us.

“Winter in Paris is colder than New York. You don’t like the cold, Asha, right??”

“I know, it must be freezing there…but…”

Asha put her hands in the pocket of her down jacket and started to pace atop the fallen leaves.

“Let’s hold hands,” I said and took Asha’s hand in mine.

“Minimal” was the keyword of this Ultra Light Down Jacket, and it all started with the color scheme. We made sample after sample of different colored parts for the outer and inner materials, zippers, and more to achieve color consistency.

We also made pattern after pattern to create a sophisticated silhouette, not forsaking the lightness and double-layer wear comfort. After many tests with different needles, threads, thread counts, and various adjustments in the sewing, we ensured the best balance to achieve streamlined beauty with a light and soft fabric.

When I want that tender warmth,
I put on this down jacket.
Then I’m ready to take on the town.

MENULTRA
LIGHT DOWN
JACKET$69.90

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.”