Clare Waight Keller talks about the UNIQLO : C collection
The highly anticipated collaboration with the British fashion designer is finally here.
The UNIQLO : C collection seamlessly blends advanced techniques with sophisticated designs, stemming from Clare Waight Keller's extensive expertise. This fusion results in garments that prioritise comfort and functionality, perfectly aligning with the demands of a contemporary lifestyle. Each piece in the collection feels uniquely tailored, effortlessly merging the pleasure of wearing refined couture with the comfort and familiarity of everyday wear. The name draws inspiration from the letter C: Curiosity, Conversation, City, Clarity, Connection and Creativity. Additionally, it pays homage to the designer, Clare, herself.
The timeless trench coat undergoes a transformation with durable four-season gabardine twill. PUFFTECH blousons and coats provide warmth without bulk, thanks to their lightweight construction, and the light down jackets boast anti-static treatment for added comfort. A satin fabric with a soft lustre is skillfully heat-pressed to craft the perfect knife-pleated maxi skirt. Meanwhile, trousers exude a relaxed vibe, while fluid skirts and dresses showcase delicate micro-floral and paisley prints, allowing for versatile mix-and-match options with a range of cosy sweaters, cropped cardigans, and zippered boyfriend pullovers. UNIQLO's iconic round shoulder bag makes a chic statement in an oversized version, capable of carrying all your essentials.
Here’s more from our chat with Clare Waight Keller about the collection and the stories behind it.
What was your first thought when UNIQLO contacted you about this collaboration?
I was thrilled because I've been a long-time fan of the brand and have followed their previous collaborations closely. This opportunity excited me due to its immense scale and the completely different challenge it presented, offering fresh avenues for exploration.
Can you share your inspiration behind the collection?
For the first time, I found myself working from London, deeply immersed in my homeland. It was a moment for me to delve into my personal wardrobe and truly discern what I wished to convey. Given the limited range of styles they provided me, I carefully considered which key pieces to include. I also drew inspiration from London itself, a vibrant city with its diverse street style and captivating architecture. In particular, Hackney Wick in East London, adjacent to the Olympic Park — it's kind of completely regenerated with young architects doing new buildings and in different styles. For me, that was an interesting starting point for the colour palette.
Tell us about the choice of colour palette and prints from the collection.
I've always used fresh colours which I believe is essential. Typically, autumn/winter collections lean towards darker hues. However, I considered that when these items arrive in stores in August and September, the weather is still sunny, especially in Asia. I believe many customers would appreciate clothing that suits their current climate. Therefore, infusing the autumn and winter spirit into these pieces with a fresh colour palette makes them more suitable for immediate wear. What intrigued me about the collection was the ability to mix and match all the colours without strict guidelines. It's a versatile palette.
When it comes to prints, I've always had an affinity for smaller patterns, and I aimed to create a contrast with geometric elements. This led to the incorporation of plaids in the collection. While working on the plaid lining for the trench coat, I thought it'd be cool to put that out on nylon. That’s how the nylon pieces ended up having that big graphic checkered pattern. Additionally, the Paisley print is reminiscent of classic bandanas. While designing scarves to complement the dresses, I was drawn to the idea of combining abstract and traditional paisley patterns. Whether you prefer graphic or floral motifs, there's something in the collection for everyone, and I aimed to provide this versatility.
Why choose PUFFTECH among all the technologies by UNIQLO?
What I loved about it was the lightness. I believed it was crucial for this collection to acknowledge the rapidly changing climate we're living in. We're adapting to a world where multifunctionality in our wardrobes is paramount, and I wanted to address this shift. While I've always been drawn to puffy jackets, I recognised that they tend to be oversized on the runway, creating a striking visual but often impractical for everyday wear due to their bulk and warmth. Therefore, a key focus of this collection was offering a fashion-forward layered style without the weight and heat associated with heavy pieces. The PUFFTECH fabric — thin yet remarkably warm — proved to be the ideal material for achieving this. I also appreciated the versatility it provided, allowing us to achieve a fantastic shape while keeping the garments exceptionally lightweight.
What was it like to work with a Japanese brand as you grew up in a strong British culture? Is there any similarity between the two?
I guess there are a few similar things, but mostly it's quite different. British style is quite eccentric, and I would say in a lot of ways the Japanese roots were interesting. Somebody at UNIQLO told me that they were all in kimonos 150 years ago. Fashion is indeed relatively new in Japan which creates an intriguing dynamic. Working with a culture that boasts ancient and rich historical traditions but also exhibits an innovative and modern approach, somewhat more utilitarian than the UK, was fascinating. On the other hand, Britain has a long-standing fashion history, having created iconic fashion elements over the decades. So, blending these two distinct styles was a compelling endeavour.
What was the biggest challenge in creating this collection?
Obviously, the price is a challenge. <laughs> However, I have to say I didn't find it too difficult as they gave me a lot of options. So, I did have a lot of choices within that price bracket. Of course, I exercised caution while making selections. Also, there are different ways to approach things: making clever details and making sure the proportions are right — that keeps to the price point but offers great quality as well.
What are your favourite pieces from the collection?
For me, definitely the cashmere pieces, because knitwear is one of the things that I love so much. The dresses and the pleated skirt represent timeless wardrobe essentials. Also, I think the dress particularly echoes the spirit from my years at Chloé and Givenchy which I wanted to infuse into this collection. Then, the trench coat, because it's iconic, it's British, and I believe it embodies a classic outerwear piece that is essential for autumn.
Can we get a sneak peek of the Spring/Summer 2024 collection?
Well, I've got a few more collections in the pipeline. In a few weeks, I'll be shooting the next spring/summer campaign. For me, it's about expanding upon the pieces I've designed for this collection. So, there'll be more iconic items from what I've had in my wardrobe for many years. Moreover, let's say fun summer in some of the fluid dresses and additional accessories and bags. I'm looking forward to adding more interesting things each season.
UNIQLO : C collection is now exclusively available both online and at the physical store in 1 Utama Shopping Centre.
