Global apparel giant UNIQLO has announced the appointment of renowned British designer Clare Waight Keller as its new Creative Director, marking a pivotal moment for the brand’s future. Waight Keller, celebrated for her transformative leadership at prestigious fashion houses, will spearhead the direction of UNIQLO’s mainline collection, including menswear, starting from the Fall/Winter 2024 season.
Waight Keller will continue her work with the highly successful UNIQLO : C womenswear project, which debuted in 2023. This new role expands her influence over the entire UNIQLO LifeWear line, renowned for its combination of simplicity, functionality, and elegance.
A Visionary Leader Joins UNIQLO
Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President, and CEO of Fast Retailing, the parent company of UNIQLO, expressed his enthusiasm for the new collaboration:
“We are proud to welcome Ms. Clare Waight Keller as the Creative Director of UNIQLO. Along with her exceptional originality and wide-ranging experience, I have been impressed by her excellent sense of balance, which never forgets the perspective of the consumer. I believe that with her, we will be able to evolve LifeWear, the ultimate everyday wear, into something even richer and create clothes that will make our customers even happier.”
Waight Keller’s appointment is poised to bring an enhanced aesthetic and forward-thinking approach to UNIQLO’s ever-expanding LifeWear collection, which aims to provide accessible, high-quality clothing to people worldwide.
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Innovation Meets Elegance
Yukihiro Katsuta, Fast Retailing’s Senior Executive Officer and Head of R&D at UNIQLO, praised Waight Keller’s expertise:
“Clare Waight Keller’s work with UNIQLO : C has convinced me that she is one of the few creators in the world able to achieve a high level of balance between creation and merchandising. I believe that the experience, knowledge, and skills that she has amassed, based on a keen aesthetic sense and intellect, will greatly expand the world of UNIQLO LifeWear.”
Waight Keller’s innovative approach is expected to reshape UNIQLO’s offerings by blending high-fashion sensibilities with everyday practicality. Her work aligns with UNIQLO’s mission to create clothing that balances modern design with comfort and affordability.
Clare Waight Keller’s Journey with UNIQLO
Reflecting on her journey with UNIQLO so far, Waight Keller shared her excitement:
“Working with UNIQLO over these past two years, I have been hugely impressed by their innovation and ability to create exceptional products. Working with the team, I became deeply immersed in the brand and the future they are creating. It is very exciting and an honor for me to be involved in the evolution of LifeWear.”
With her extensive background and celebrated design ethos, Clare Waight Keller’s leadership is expected to elevate the global brand, reinforcing UNIQLO’s status as a leader in the fashion industry.
About UNIQLO LifeWear
LifeWear is UNIQLO’s signature clothing line, designed with the values of simplicity, quality, and longevity. Drawing inspiration from Japanese craftsmanship, LifeWear offers timeless, modern clothing that combines functionality with style. Constantly evolving through innovation, LifeWear enhances everyday life with warmth, lightness, and comfort.
About Fast Retailing
UNIQLO is part of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading global retail company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Fast Retailing is the parent company of several major brands, including GU, Theory, and Helmut Lang. With over 2,400 stores worldwide and global sales of ¥2.77 trillion (US $18.92 billion) for the 2023 fiscal year, Fast Retailing continues to redefine the fashion landscape by creating accessible, high-quality clothing for consumers across the globe. www.uniqlo.com.
