Designer Clare Waight Keller and the iconic Japanese fashion house, UNIQLO, come together to unveil a fresh sub-label, UNIQLO : C, that will bring the sophistication of everyday.
With a remarkable career spanning various fashion powerhouses, British-born Clare Waight Keller’s credentials are undeniably impeccable. She was Creative Director for renowned luxury brands such as Givenchy and Chloé, where she created both ready-to-wear and couture collections. Keller’s accolades also include the Womenswear Designer of the Year title at the 2018 British Fashion Awards and an honorable mention as one of TIME Magazine‘s most influential people in 2019. However, many also recognize her as the visionary behind Meghan Markle’s stunning royal wedding dress.
C stands for multiple layers of things. Sometimes it’s connected to a collection I’m working on. Sometimes it’s just a spirit. It stands for casual and chic, city, clarity, connection, capsule, connectivity, creativity. And also, it stands for me.
In her debut collection for UNIQLO, Keller seamlessly weaves her signature sophistication into the brand’s staple lifewear. The result? An array of chic essentials that cater to the contemporary woman, versatile enough for city streets or countryside retreats. This line epitomizes the dynamic rhythm of modern life, offering pieces that encapsulate both energy and elegance.
True to her fondness for redefining classics, Keller reimagines timeless styles with a fresh twist. The archetypal trench coat gets a contemporary facelift with a four-season gabardine twill. For the cold months, there are padded blousons and coats that boast warmth without the bulk. Moreover, these winter essentials come equipped with anti-static technology. Meanwhile, the lustrous satin, in its deep autumnal hues, undergoes a heat-press treatment to shape the flawless knife-pleated maxi skirt.
There have been some interesting challenges along the way in creating the collection, and some of that is because I wanted to incorporate a few interesting techniques I’ve used in my past. The idea of pleating – I’m using very textured fabrics for pleating and fine gathering. This tiny little spaghetti string coulisse, similar to a drawstring that runs through the dresses, which makes everything adjustable and easy. You can create different silhouettes using the drawstring in various ways. There’s also a beautiful satin pleated skirt with a graphic band across the bottom. That was logistically quite difficult to manage – the pleating and the graphic element – to get everything to work so perfectly, but we achieved everything in the best way. – Clare Waight Keller
The Autumn Winter 2023 collection’s trousers exude a playful masculine vibe. Simultaneously, fluid dresses and skirts, adorned in subtle micro-floral and paisley designs, contrast beautifully with an assortment of relaxed sweaters, snug cardigans, and zipped boyfriend pull-overs. UNIQLO’s emblematic round mini shoulder bag also undergoes a transformation, emerging as a chic, enlarged version that seamlessly shifts from the urban hustle to leisurely weekend getaways.
Capturing the essence of a perpetually moving modern woman, the inaugural UNIQLO : C collection is an ode to timeless elegance and practicality. For those eager to wear these creations, the Autumn Winter 2023 collection will be available online and in selected stores starting September 15th, 2023.
