“Designed by artistic director Christophe Lemaire and his Uniqlo R&D team in Paris, the lineup presents clothing for now and the future,” goes the press release of the latest Uniqlo U collection. How does one design for such a weird period where everything seems up in the air?
Going by the lookbook, Lemaire has opted strongly for wardrobe staples in soothing earth tones; one gets the feeling that he’s preferred to burnish existing styles rather than add anything funky.
But that’s okay; it feels right for a period when most people are simply looking to cocoon in well-executed evergreens such as a handsome tan raincoat or comforting flannel shirts that come in a subtle checked motif this season.
Uniqlo U Fall/Winter 2021’s collection is meant to be “clothing for now and the future”.
This season sees the debut of a new fit to Uniqlo’s signature down jacket – this time around, the brand harvested and cleaned the precious down and recycled the fabric from pre-loved garments, with the Paris team subsequently developing a new fabric with about 40 per cent recycled nylon. Its V-neck design also means more options for layering under coats or over shirts.
There’s also a small Uniqlo U section for kids this season.
The Fall/Winter 2021 Uniqlo U collection drops September 17 at select Uniqlo stores and online – you know the drill. Below, our picks of the collection.