Cover Acclaimed British designer Clare Waight Keller has just been appointed Uniqlo’s new creative director (Photo: Uniqlo)
Acclaimed British designer Clare Waight Keller has just been appointed Uniqlo’s new creative director (Photo: Uniqlo)
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Elevating a household name, Waight Keller’s appointment at Uniqlo marries high fashion with accessible style
Clare Waight Keller, most remembered for her impressive tenure at storied French fashion houses like Chloé and Givenchy, and even Pringle of Scotland, has just been appointed Uniqlo’s new creative director. While she is an inspired choice as the person to helm the iconic Japanese retail institution, Waight Keller is no stranger to Uniqlo. Having been the genius behind their Uniqlo : C collection since late last year in September, the Royal College of Art alumnus’s promotion is no surprise judging from the overwhelming response to her designs for Uniqlo. And with her new appointment, the designer’s portfolio also expands as she becomes the creative head of not only womenswear but menswear and Uniqlo’s main lines, starting from Autumn/Winter 2024 this year.
“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 honour for me to be involved in the evolution of LifeWear,” says Waight Keller.
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The Birmingham native’s appointment as the creative head of Uniqlo’s design team represents the meeting of two greats and is the perfect marriage of high fashion and accessible style. A partnership that will likely resonate with a broad spectrum of consumers, especially with the greater emphasis on the elevation of its LifeWear, which aligns seamlessly with Waight Keller’s own approach to design.
Her philosophy has always been rooted in a deep understanding of craftsmanship and a refined aesthetic, qualities that have earned her a distinguished place in the realm of high fashion. At Givenchy, she successfully balanced the legacy of the brand with a modern sensibility, creating collections that were both timeless and contemporary. This ability to merge heritage with innovation is precisely what makes her an ideal fit for Uniqlo, a brand that champions simplicity, quality, and functionality.
“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,” shares Tadashi Yanai, fast retailing chairman, president and chief executive officer of Uniqlo.
Moreover, Waight Keller’s experience in luxury fashion brings a lifted perspective to Uniqlo. While the brand is known for its affordability, her influence will likely introduce subtle nuances of luxury, raising the bar for what everyday wear can be. Her expertise in fabric selection, tailoring, and attention to detail will enhance Uniqlo’s product offerings, making them even more desirable to consumers who appreciate quality and design without the exorbitant price tag.
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Credits
Images: Uniqlo
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Adriel Chiun is the Branded Content Editor of Tatler Singapore.
