Uniqlo's designer collaboration with Clare Waight Keller has finally landed – here's what we're buying

“I know for a long time, people have admired what I've done but not necessarily been able to buy a whole wardrobe or an outfit so that feels incredibly appealing.”

“I have been a Uniqlo customer for many years… I have some cashmere sweaters from 10 years ago and they still look perfect. That [longevity] was a signifier to me that this is going to be a good collaboration and connection.”

"We considered every detail and [the team] were so rigorous with every single detail. I think I've had more fittings during this collection [than at luxury brands] because even in luxury, because of the timing, you don't always get the opportunity to develop things and really fine tune it. We took six months to really develop the collection and now I've almost finished my second season…”

So there is a second collection coming! Phew. Where did you get your inspiration for this one from?

“I've been spending quite a lot of time in Hackney Wick - it's a really interesting area. Architects have been given spaces to create, there are really interesting colours and textures, but the community is very young, vibrant and entrepreneurial.”

“I was quite inspired not only by the colours but the way that people live their lives. They're all commuting on bikes or the train and you see this sense of movement in their clothes that really inspired me”

How did you bring in considerations of sustainability in the design process?

“I've tried to design things that could stay for longer but I asked if we could use things that are recycled… Can we use the right components inside? We've moved to some pure fabrics - like 100% cashmere or 100% cotton - as that’s more sustainable because they're more easily recycled than a blend.”

How will the collection help women get dressed?

“Post pandemic, it just felt everyone that I spoke to was looking for a simpler way to dress. When they looked at their wardrobe they’d think, “Oh my God, I've got so many things,” but actually, you end up going back to those same 10 pieces that you always wear. I wanted to distil that down to [a collection of] items I know I'll always have and I felt that was an essential starting point…"

Even though the collection launches in autumn, in the northern hemisphere, it's season-less…

“When I talked to Uniqlo about the fact that they are selling globally, to so many different climates, it felt really important to address the fact that I might be in Europe designing for the winter, but it's still 40 degrees in Asia. This is a world where we're all travelling in various places so we need to think of a more universal approach to dressing.”

And that's something you're addressing in the styling of the collection, too?

“When trying to find solutions for sustainability the reality is about buying less. But also it's about asking what are you going to wear this with? How are you going to style it? There's been so much focus on just buying more different things but what I've tried to do is show you can create so many different outfits from a really tight edit with different styling.”

What’s your favourite piece?

“The brown printed floral dress. It's a signature style of mine and definitely harks back to femininity but also it has versatility and fluidity.”

“The drawstrings offer flexibility if you want to go for an oversized shape or something more tailored. I wore it with flat sliders and some jewellery but going into winter, I can wear a HEATTECH polo neck under it and a coat over the top.”

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As for which other foundation pieces we're loving as the Uniqlo : C launches today, on 15th September?

Of course, the brand's TikTok viral crossbody shoulder bag is back in new colours and new fabrics (including a chic black faux leather version), but there are also perfectly-proportioned trench coats, weighty loafers (it's the first time Uniqlo have sold footwear), luxurious cable cashmere knits and a contemporary colour palette that'll not only fit seamlessly into every wardrobe, but elevate it during every season. When we say run, don't walk, we mean it…

Uniqlo : C is available in store and online from 15^th September. For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather. Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.

Ahead, shop the best pieces from Uniqlo X Clare Waight Keller.