Uniqlo x Undercover Men's FW12

Uniqlo's recent collaboration with Japanese uber street label, Undercover, may not have been met with the fanfare from the public and blockbuster sales that their previous collections with Jil Sander did but from elsewhere there was measured appreciation. At first, I was unable to understand the concept Jun Takahashi and growing fast-retail giant, Uniqlo, were going for when they wanted to 'dress the family', because it's not something I'd expect them to do. Admittedly, as a fan of Undercover, I was underwhelmed by the offerings - a feeling along the lines of what I got with the Versace x H&M collab but that's a different story. I still very much enjoyed the offerings but at the same time I thought more of the essence of Undercover could've been brought over. Additionally, many of the offerings for women were more attractive, at least for me, than what I would get buying the menswear.

Perhaps after regrouping and re-strategising Jun and Uniqlo decided to throw out the rule book and throw us Westerners in at the deep end. Whilst still accessible, the new looks for the upcoming FW12 collection definitely take things to a new level. The collection carries nuances of an urbanite, attempting to block out the cold whilst remaining stylish. Subtle interplay with fabrics and texture - something I've identified as decidedly Japanese - is present in the outerwear. Military influences in the colour pallet with navys, maroons and olives creating cohesive looks.

UU Utility coat (Warm lite liner) with corduroy accents and faux fur trim 

The looks were styled by the man himself, Jun Takahashi, and give some inspiration as to how to put these clothes together (should you go head to toe). I'm really liking the Utility coat, the wool blend cargos and the sweat pants but I'm not sure how they'll fit into a West Coast wardrobe. I guess I'll have to find a way. Something that wasn't in the first collection was footwear so it's nice to see a nice basic pair of sneakers with a slight edge to them being introduced.

The collection drops in stores in August, in the meantime more photos (including the women’s and kids looks) are on the UU Collection Site as well as on Pinterest.

UU x Uniqlo collaboration now live

The much anticipated collaboration between Jun Takahashi's Undercover label and Japanese super retailer, Uniqlo has been released in the UK. The collection went live for people to buy at midnight and I'm very impressed by what I've seen. There's an easiness about the collection and there's also an edge that is no doubt inspired by Takahashi's work with Undercover. There's a lot of cropped pants that are ideal for the warming weather, there's a lot of interesting play with shapes and patterns (see the shirting) and in line with Uniqlo's usual aesthetic - a really great range of colours. 

I'm hoping that this partnership continues because as with Jil Sander's work with the company I'm guessing that the best is yet to come. I hope that Takahashi takes more of a risk and we'll hopefully see some of the more unique designs he's done play a part in future collections. Take a look at a few of the choice pieces that I like below and peep the full collection at Uniqlo.

UU Easy Pants 

UU Hooded Blouson+

UU Sweat Full Zip Hoodie 

UU Cargo Cropped Trousers+ 

U Check Long Sleeve Shirt A+ 

UU Tote Bag

Uniqlo Undercover Spring/Summer 2012

So as part of the Watch List I spoke about the upcoming collaboration between Japanese retailer Uniqlo and designer Jun Takahashi's own label, Undercover. Now, we have confirmation of the release date of said collaboration and images from the collection.

The collection looks to dress the families of today by fusing Uniqlo's high quality basics and Undercover's high-end streetwear, featuring clothing for children and adults we can expect a wide range of products for every age range. We can expect the collaborative line to hit stores in 11 countries on March 16th. Peep the images from the campaign below.

Check out the micro-site for yourselves and get hyped

The Watch List - Uniqlo x Undercover

This is happening this year. I've been extremely impressed by Uniqlo's offerings over the time I've been shopping there (a long f'ing time). They offer quality at a price point not found anywhere else on the high street. I mean where are you going to find 100% for under £100?

Uniqlo teamed up with German designer Jil Sander for the The +J collection, which was launched in 2009 and won 2011 Brit Insurance Design Fashion Award, but after numerous seasons boasting better and better offerings the two split ways and the final collection made its foray into stores this Fall/Winter season. I recently picked up a jacket from that collection and really wanna show you guys because first, I'm extremely proud of myself for actually plucking up the courage to buy; second, it was a steal and third it looks ace.

Now Uniqlo seem to have developed a taste for collaborations and are now planning a collection with renowned Japanese label UNDERCOVER. The Undercover brand was started in 1989 by the designer Mr. Jun Takahashi, while he was still a student at Bunka Fashion College. In 1994, the brand appeared in the Tokyo Collection for the first time, achieving instant popularity. Undercover Co. Ltd. was established in 2000.

From the announcement press release:-

The collaboration pieces are planned to be launched in Spring 2012, with the opening of flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo.

According to the press release it seems we won't be waiting long until we see the first pieces. I for one and both excited and in saving mode.