The Power of Supporting Women
Mar 03, 2026
UNIQLO Today
Clare Waight Keller and Emma Raducanu on confidence, in life and on the court
Through a thoughtful conversation, they reflect on creativity under pressure; competition on the global stage, whether it is a job interview or an important game; and the quiet power of garments that feel dependable and true to who you are.
Q1: Clare and Emma, if you swapped jobs for one day, what would happen?
Clare: I think if I had to swap jobs with Emma, I would definitely need an awful lot of coaching having not played tennis for a good 20 years I would probably need an enormous amount of training!
Emma: Honestly, I think it would be chaotic but kind of amazing. I’d walk into her studio with a tennis mindset, thinking about movement, pressure, comfort, and probably start asking things like, 'Can you sprint in this?', or 'How does this feel after three hours?'. At the same time, I’d gain so much respect for designers like Clare, because creativity under constant deadlines and public judgment isn’t that different from playing sports. Different arena, but same pressure. I’d probably miss tennis after five minutes, but definitely come back with a whole new appreciation for how important clothing can be.
Q2. How can clothing play a role in helping women feel ready to step into the roles they’re capable of?
Clare: Clothing has an enormous role in making people feel confident. Choosing the right outfit has a huge impact on our psychology, when you feel good and look good, it can make the difference between feeling strong and empowered versus feeling anxious and nervous. Your outfit should feel effortless so that you can really concentrate on being the best version of yourself in your job.
Q3: Tennis players are often under a lot of pressure. What are your secrets for staying focused? How do you deal with pre-game stress?
Emma: Pressure is always there and for me, the key is controlling what I can. Before matches, I focus on routines: warming up the same way, listening to familiar music, tying my laces the same way. These small rituals create a sense of normality, even on the biggest stages. Mentally, I try to narrow my focus to the next point, not the outcome. When stress builds, I come back to my breathing and remind myself why I play - to compete, to learn, to express myself. Accepting nerves rather than fighting them has helped me a lot.
Q4: Can you recall a moment when a change in clothing made you feel more confident?
Clare: I remember so well when I was preparing for my job interview with Tom Ford at Gucci, and I needed a cool fashionable look to impress but still look effortless. In the end, I wore something quite simple, with a striking silhouette, with a pair of very high heels which gave me a real presence in the room, but also felt very personal to me as it was something I wore frequently and felt confident in. It must’ve worked as I got the job one week later!
Q5: How does the right garment support mindset, presence and performance in an interview or on the court?
Emma: There have been moments when putting on an outfit that really fits, physically and emotionally, changes how I carry myself on court. When clothing moves with you, doesn’t distract you, and feels true to who you are, it removes mental noise. You stop adjusting, second-guessing, or feeling self-conscious. That freedom translates directly into performance.
Q6: When designing LifeWear, what makes a fabric truly dependable in everyday high-pressure moments?
Clare: When designing LifeWear, I’m constantly thinking about the different climates and environments people move through every day. Clothes today need to perform in increasingly demanding conditions, whether it’s extreme cold, intense heat, or wet, rainy weather, while still allowing the wearer to feel presentable, professional, and chic. Performance is one of the most important considerations when selecting fabrics that can truly respond to these realities. People want to feel confident and focused, without worrying about their clothes becoming wet, uncomfortable, or unsuitable while they’re working.
For me, a dependable fabric is one that quietly supports you, adapting to the environment, regulating comfort, and allowing you to move through high-pressure moments with total assurance.
Q7: What small design detail can completely transform a simple outfit?
Clare: I always think the one detail that can transform an outfit is an accessory. It could be a really beautiful shoe, a well-coordinated sock, a perfectly shaped bag, or a wonderful scarf. These items truly have the power to finish even the simplest outfit and make it look incredible. ■
In collaboration with Smart Works, a charity that empowers women into employment through high-quality interview clothing and one-to-one coaching, Clare Waight Keller, UNIQLO’s Creative Director and now Smart Works ambassador, has curated a refined capsule collection suitable for the modern workplace. The pieces showcased here reflect her thoughtful approach to dressing for professional success, featuring garments that balance elegance, functionality and ease.
'I curated the collection of looks for Smart Works with the aim of building a beautiful wardrobe of items that can be interchanged easily to create multiple outfits. It was essential to consider all the different sizes, heights and shapes of the women that come through Smart Works and how to make every one of them look amazing. Providing the building blocks and essentials of the perfect working wardrobe was something that I really wanted to achieve with the collection of pieces. I think all the women portrayed in these photographs really look truly beautiful, confident, striking and empowered. I’m delighted to be able to help women feel special on their journey toward a new role in their career.'
Smart Works clients whose lives have been supported, by the charity, from left to right, Sophia, Isabella, Tina, Asma, Kate, Aymara and Nasra.
About Clare Waight Keller
Clare Waight Keller is a British designer recognised for her sophisticated approach to modern elegance. Named among the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME 100 in 2019, she has led several global fashion houses before launching the UNIQLO : C collection in 2023. Now Creative Director of UNIQLO, she was appointed to the Executive Board of the British Fashion Council on February 18th, 2026. As an ambassador for Smart Works, she is also committed to empowering women through professional style and mentorship.
About Emma Raducanu
Emma Raducanu was born in 2002 and represents Great Britain in international tennis competitions. She burst onto the global stage in 2021, making history by winning the US Open as a qualifier-the first player in the Open Era to do so. She is the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since 1977, achieved in only her second Grand Slam appearance. Following her breakthrough, Raducanu rose rapidly up the rankings, reaching a career-high of world No.10. Renowned for her resilience, athleticism and global appeal, she has established herself as one of the most influential young figures in modern tennis.
About Smart Works:
Smart Works is an award winning UK charity. By helping women succeed at interviews, secure roles and build lasting confidence, the charity ensures that any woman who needs their support can access it. Smart Works champions the transformative impact of gaining confidence, opportunity and style as part of wider support into employment. Find out more about Smart Works and the work they do at www.smartworks.org.uk
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