Ushering in our ever-appropriate Spring/Summer season is the latest Uniqlo U collection, arguably our favourite line when it comes to UNIQLO’s range of versatile, everyday wear. And why ever not?
Designed by Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire and his UNIQLO R&D team in Paris, this season’s ‘Rhythm of Spring’ edit sees all the elevated essentials we need — and want — in our wardrobes, done with just the right amount of attention to detail so that its minimalist aesthetic truly shines.
“”It’s about creating functional, universal, essential pieces that free movement, are designed to last and bring solutions to everyday life,” says designer Lemaire, who also runs his own eponymous luxury label. “This season was very much about creating better fabrication, and trying to bring a fresh twist.”
The lineup includes 31 items for women, 29 items for men, and 12 items for kids, while the full collection launches online and at the Orchard Central and ION Orchard stores, on 4 February 2022.
If you look at the clothes, you’ll find that they capture the lightness and ease of Spring, translated to utilitarian silhouettes and materials that we’d be happy to don whether to work or play. Likewise, the colours here reflect that laidback sentiment, where neutrals go alongside muted colours of sage green, sand, charcoal, or pops of vermillion and taro purple inspired by fading sunsets.
This curated palette makes the collection even more desirable for those considering a capsule wardrobe; what’s also helpful is that we know the Uniqlo U for giving us quality, timeless pieces that last.
For the women, we’re introduced to breezy essentials done in soft AIRism cotton and jersey. Standouts include crisp pants in boxy cuts, yet still flattering when worn, a casual belted short-sleeve dress in cotton, as well as a new drawstring shoulder bag. There are plenty of overshirts to admire too, done with a rounded shape for a soft feel.
The men’s lineup features both urban style done in soft jersey, terry and linen twill, as well as clothes appropriate for the great outdoors. Summery stripes are introduced for the first time, perfect for a weekend at the beach, while we also see jackets ideal for commuting to work on a bicycle. As usual, the oversized look is favoured here, though done in a sleek way so that you’re free to layer up. For the kids, we’re into the relaxed shapes and twinning styles.
“It’s a very thin line between basic design and boring design. This is what Uniqlo is all about, creating essentials with a point of view. We care a lot about being very specific about all those little details that make all the difference—the size, or the colour, or the design of a sleeve or the volume of an arm sleeve, or choosing one of fifty shades of beige,” continues Lemaire.
“This collection, we worked a lot on the volume of the sleeves. If you look carefully at the volume of the blouson or the kimono sleeve t-shirt and t-shirt dress—those are good examples of how essential pieces can have character.”
See some of our favourite looks from the collection here —
[click on the images below to enlarge.]
Uniqlo U collection, $14.90 – $199.90.
Full collection available from 4 February 2022, online and at the Orchard Central Global Flagship and ION Orchard stores. Selected items available at selected stores.
You must be logged in to post a comment.