Beauty in Design and Function – The Making of UNIQLO and Mame Kurogouchi
Plunging wireless bra
The UNIQLO design team worked closely with Mame Kurogouchi and the garment factories to create a bra that provides full support without restricting the body. In order for a bra to keep its curved shape, an ideal balance must be achieved between the cups and back strap. Because the design called for a thin bra back, the cups have been made lighter than usual, with a thin layer of material inserted into the mould to maintain the shape. Numerous colour samples were tested to achieve the right shade of earth tones, to help define the collection concept.
AIRism cotton
The concept of the collection is to allow women the freedom to move seamlessly between innerwear and clothing. Helping to make that possible is AIRism cotton, a revolutionary fabric developed using UNIQLO's leading technology to combine the soft smoothness of AIRism and the luminosity of cotton. The versatile material and beauty of design allow for countless styling choices, freeing women from the norms and expectation that innerwear be worn underneath their clothing. The blend of Mame Kurogouchi design ethos and UNIQLO technology has culminated in a collection that provides women with a world of possibilities.
3D knit technology
UNIQLO's leading 3D knit technology allows for the creation of smooth knit sweaters and trousers without a single seam at the sides. This technology was essential in bringing the flowing silhouettes and fluid lines designed by Mame Kurogouchi to life. “There are no straight lines on a woman’s body,” says designer Maiko Kurogouchi. “My hope is to create clothes that land softly on the curves and enhance the figure.” From the curves in the neckline to soft flares in the sleeves, the UNIQLO design team and garment factories tested numerous styles, textures and cuts before arriving at the ideal form and look.