UNIQLO｜LifeWear Story 100 directed by Yataro Matsuura

Why is it that a counter at a coffee stand puts you at such ease? I thought to myself.

I was looking at Asha as she sat down next to me and took a sip of the coffee in the mug. she was sitting there with her eyes closed with her jaw placed on her hands placed on top of each other on the counter. It’s as though she was quietly absorbing the hustle and bustle of NY she had missed for some years.

Whenever something happens, it was the coffee stand in various locations across the city that helped me through the day. I would wonder about trying to find the good ol’ coffee stand and when I see an open seat the counter, I could instantly feel at ease. It’s as though even a foreigner like me is given this right to have a place in the city.

“You know counter seats are so relaxing. I can stay here all day. Somehow you don’t feel so lonely,” said Asha.

“I know, we can sit here, you know side by side but it’s not like we have to always be talking, we can just simply sit. I think for people who live in the city, the counter is like that other family.”

All kinds of people come around to the coffee stand and you can tell this just by sitting there for two hours. Cab drivers, travelers, policemen, busy businesspeople and students, and the elderlies. And people with no place to go, etc. etc. They aren’t here for the coffee but for that break from life, no better yet, that comfort for the day.

You can appreciate this sentiment on the faces of people as they sit at the counter and take a sip from the cup. Yes, we are all salvaged by these coffee stands around the corner and down the street.

“Asha, should we get going? I think MOMA has just opened.”

“Right, but I want to stay here for just a bit longer…”

Asha responded in a slight daze. It’s been a long while since she had been in NY. It’s highly likely that she is immersing herself in this NY-comfort.

I ordered another cup. I looked over to the street and saw policemen on horses and for a moment, my eyes locked on with that of the horse.

In my early days in NY, I roamed around Midtown early morning one time and remember being surprised to find a stable amongst the skyscrapers. Why is there a horse stable in the middle of a big city?! From this tiny window embedded in the brick wall, I got a glimpse of the eye of one of the horse.

It was gazing intently at me from a slight distance. I walked towards the window and reached out my hand to the horse. It gave a slight shrug and came towards me.

Just then a policeman who was looking after the horse came by and said, “Morning,” and took the horse to the back of the stable.

I think the horse that just passed by was that horse I saw back then. I was convinced it was the same horse.

This EZY ankle pants has a belt loop at the waist even with elastic waistband and spindle(string-tie waist), a true UNIQLO-original design. The all-new “Relaxed Fit” which joined the family this season boasts a new relaxed silhouette with a roomy thigh area, tapered below the knee.

This was a result of much research to make sure that men of all shapes, sizes, and age won’t suffer looking grubby because of the roominess of the fit. The material is a deep-ribbed twill with 20% expansion and 65% rebound rate. Using a sewing needle with a round tip and break-resistant thread for a clean finish.

The coffee stand was bustling with people as this young cook was busily keeping up the stream orders from behind the counter.

He had on a slightly baggy white t-shirt with navy ankle pants with a bright white pair of sneakers.

He must have realized that I was staring. He winked and said, “Would you like to order something else? We have freshly fried donuts coming.”

“Yes, I’ll take one,” I said.
“Sure thing, by the way, cool shirt.”

That day, I had on my usual striped shirt.

“I was admiring what you were wearing, too. Those pants look good on you,” he said.
“This is my usual. I wear this for work, on dates, these navy pair go with me wherever I go.”

“That, to me, is this shirt. Makes you feel good when someone compliments on your standard piece of clothes, right?,” I said.

Then, he took a good look at my shirt from slightly afar and said, “Yup, looks really good on ya,” he said and smiled.

His pants were not too baggy, not too slim and looked nice and clean thanks to the length that slightly revealed his ankles. I thought this is truly a standard pair of pants that can balance out with anything for the top.

Listening to this exchange, Asha chimed in with, “You know, for men’s fashion, the key is the pants. Oh, and also the shoes.”

“True, shoes are important, too. In putting together a look, I always think of pants and shoes as a set. In other words, you put on a nice pair of pants which is a given then you choose a nice pair of shoes that best goes with it. If you get this balance wrong, you simply don’t have a look. At least, that’s what I think,” he said and placed a plate of donut in front of me.

“How about for women?,” asked Asha. “Well, this is just my theory but for women, I think it’s the hairstyle. When you have it nicely done or have this elegant finish, no matter what you wear, you can look really nice. I should know, I’m here every day watching all kinds of people.”

“Hair, you may be right,” I said.
“So that’s how guys look at us,” said Asha.

“C’mon, let’s get going to MOMA,” I said and popped the rest of the donuts in my mouth.

“What are you guys going to see?,” he asked.
“Jackson Pollock!,” Asha and I responded in ensemble.

He gave us a thumbs up and nodded with a huge smile on his face.

The premium wool-like elegance with a brushed surface gives off a thick and soft expression. Now with Easy Care, it is low maintenance as it remains wrinkle-resistant even after a wash. It has the stretch for an exceptional fit. The cleanly cropped hem at the ankle goes well with various scenes with leather shoes, sneakers, sandals, etc.

This season, we’ve introduced the center pleats for a clean dimensional silhouette. The pockets sewn into the seams create clean side lines and stay closed when not in use. The elastic band around the waist matches perfectly with the exterior color/material for a stylish look, tucked in, without a belt. This will definitely be that killer piece for a business look in summer.

Fine pair of pants
simply goes with anything.
It can be worn
whenever, wherever.

MENEZY
ANKLE-LENGTH
PANTS$39.90

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.”