The British designer was Givenchy’s first female artistic director and designer of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress in 2018.
Global apparel retailer Uniqlo announced the start of a new era for its womenswear with the launch of Uniqlo : C, a women’s collection created by acclaimed British fashion designer Clare Waight Keller. Waight Keller’s fluid designs, delicate use of color, and modern silhouettes bring to life a fresh new vision of Uniqlo LifeWear for customers. The collection will be available on September 15.
Born in 1970 in Birmingham, England, Clare Waight Keller’s career was marked with notable stints at Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Pringle of Scotland. It was, however, her tenure as the first female artistic director of Givenchy that catapulted her into the global spotlight. Taking over the reins from Riccardo Tisci, she swiftly established herself as a visionary capable of marrying Givenchy’s storied legacy with contemporary aesthetics.
In 2018 she won Womenswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. She was named one of the most influential people of 2019 in TIME magazine’s TIME 100 Awards.
The name Uniqlo : C was selected to reflect the many elements throughout the collection that are inspired by the letter C : Curiosity, Conversation, City, Clarity, Connection, and Creativity, as well as the designer’s name, Clare.
The Uniqlo : C collection combines advanced techniques and sophisticated designs cultivated from Clare Waight Keller’s extensive experience, delivering comfort and functionality to fully support and align with people’s lives today. It is a collection where each piece feels tailor made, and where the joy of wearing refined ready to wear intersects effortlessly with the ease and comfort of familiarity.
Yukihiro Katsuta, Fast Retailing Group senior executive officer and head of R&D for Uniqlo, commented, “Uniqlo : C marks an exciting new chapter in the design of Uniqlo women’s wear. I believe Clare’s wealth of experience and her designs that fully appreciate the modern woman will usher in a new standard of LifeWear for women. We hope to continue to work with Clare for a long time to come, creating collections full of energy and sensibility that will delight the wearer.”
Clare Waight Keller said: “I am honored to have been asked to create a new label for Uniqlo. I have long appreciated its LifeWear design philosophy of technical innovation and functional authenticity. I have always admired the Japanese aesthetic of subtlety, simplicity and detailed perfection, so to be able work with the Uniqlo team to craft a new sensibility for my womenswear collection on such a global scale is a truly exciting opportunity.”
Fall-winter collection
The classic trench coat is redefined in a four-season gabardine twill. PuffTech blousons and coats are warm yet lightweight, and the light down is specially treated with anti-static technology. Soft luster satin is heat-pressed to create the perfect knife pleated maxi skirt.
The trousers cut a casual attitude while fluid skirts and dresses come in delicate micro-floral and paisley prints which can be mixed and matched with a collection of relaxed sweaters, and shrunken cardigans. Uniqlo’s iconic round shoulder bag comes in a chic, oversized version that can transport all your personal items. A variety of appealing shoes are also available to complete the style.
Visit Uniqlo’s website for more information about the Uniqlo : C Collection.
