Clare Waight Keller, the former designer of Chloé and renowned couturier at Givenchy, is about to make her mark with a global capsule collection for Uniqlo. Named Uniqlo:C, this highly-anticipated collection will be available in 1,500 Uniqlo stores starting September 15th. After leaving Givenchy just before the pandemic, Waight Keller’s latest project represents a significant return to the fashion scene.
Uniqlo:C draws inspiration from Waight Keller’s previous roles and incorporates elements from her work at Pringle, Chloé, and Givenchy. The collection showcases her expertise in knitwear, incorporating sensual volume, romanticism, practicality, and tailoring. With pieces such as mannish trenches, plissé dresses, and chunky knit pullovers, the Uniqlo:C collection offers high-quality and stylish options at affordable prices.
However, what truly sets this collaboration apart is Uniqlo’s venture into designer footwear for the first time. Alongside the clothing collection, Waight Keller introduces fab-looking street mechanic boots and comfortable chunky heel moccasins, adding a touch of elegance and versatility to the overall offering.
In an interview with Fashion Network, Waight Keller shared her decision to work with Uniqlo, highlighting the scale of the brand as a significant factor. She appreciated the opportunity to reach a wide audience compared to the exclusivity of runway shows. After taking some time off in Cornwall, Waight Keller began discussions with Uniqlo and eventually met its founder, Tadashi Yanai. This collaboration allowed her to create a capsule collection that perfectly captured her aesthetic and timeless style. Uniqlo’s extensive store network in countries like India, Thailand, Australia, China, and Japan gave her the platform to reach a larger audience.
The concept of democratizing fashion is one that Waight Keller is passionate about. She aimed to combine aesthetics, practicality, and affordability in her Uniqlo collaboration. Working closely with Uniqlo’s precision in fabric testing and durability, Waight Keller added her own touch through a carefully chosen color palette and soft prints, infusing a more feminine feel to the collection. Drawing from her experience at Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Pringle, Chloé, and Givenchy, she incorporated different weights and textures of knitwear from Pringle, embraced femininity and transparency from Chloé, and brought her love for the boyish silhouette seen in suits and pants.
Ultimately, Waight Keller’s goal with the Uniqlo:C collection is to uplift women and make them feel confident and stylish. She understands that women go through various phases of wanting to cover up or show off, and she strives to offer a wide aesthetic range to accommodate these needs. The DNA of Clare Waight Keller’s fashion is defined by femininity, Britishness, and a hint of eccentricity blended with a boyish to gal crossover. These elements are perfectly embodied in the Uniqlo:C collection, showcasing Waight Keller’s unique sense of style and softness.
When asked about the designers she admires, Waight Keller mentioned Jil Sander for her amazing contributions to the industry, Vivienne Westwood for her pioneering role in culture and fashion, and Miuccia Prada for trailblazing Italy into a new era. She looks back on her early years, eagerly awaiting Prada’s latest take on the zeitgeist, and acknowledges the significant impact these women have had on the fashion world.
Useful Links:
1. Fashion Network Interview with Clare Waight Keller
2. Uniqlo
