After rumors had been circulating for a while about a possible collaboration of Uniqlo and other fashion brands, they have today finally officially announced the Uniqlo Designer Invitation Project. The first line-up of designers in the project includes Steven Alan, Opening Ceremony, Shipley & Halmos and Gilded Age. The first two collections will get into stores on 9th of March, the last two on 13th of April. We cannot wait to see the outcome of the collections and are certainly all up for some well prices goods from these four brands. Via Selectism.

More news on this as we get closer to the launch.

Uniqlo once again proofs its innovative character. A while back we were impressed with the opening of their first UT store, selling t-shirts out of vending machines. Today we present you another great addition to Uniqlo stores – Wakamaru.
It is the first robot ever to be featured in a retail store environment, will be joining the UNIQLO team the second week in September. Designed by Toshiyuki Kita and developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), wakamaru is neither human or machine; it is the first creation of its kind.  wakamaru’s capabilities include eye contact, basic conversation, ability to recognize people and greet them, voice recognition, and basic arm movements. wakamaru will hold a unique role in the UNIQLO store.  It will lead staff in motivational morning exercises, communicate promotions to customers, as well as greet customers upon entrance into the store.
In about a weeks time you will be able to meet wakamaru in the Uniqlo Soho store.

Uniqlo has uploaded a nice Uniqlo Explorer on their website, that lets you check out individual product of their new Fall/Winter 2008 collection. Definitely worth having a look, as they have many basic essentials for the colder season.

Fashion forward UK label Cassette Playa has created a couple of t-shirts for Uniqlo. The graphics remind us of Space Invader and come in several colorways. Since Cassette Playa is pretty expensive, this might actually be a nice way of getting their style for a little less. Via Skeleton Legs.

Mens.style.com this morning, is bringing us some of the first looks into Uniqlo’s Designers Invitation Project featuring a collection by the NY based design group, Loden Dager.
The six style line features very reasonably priced shirts, trousers, polos, and (very in the now) over the knee shorts, ranging from 30$US – 80$US
Uniqlo’s Designers Invitation Project will continue to feature emerging designers to produce well priced in house collections over the coming seasons. Visit Mens.Style.com for more views and photos. Via Selectism.

The Uniqlo London stores went through some renovations and they also opened a large new flagship store. All of them are designed by Wonderwall from Japan. Now you can have a look at all the new Uniqlo London stores on their site.

Beginning of December Japanese retailer Uniqlo arrived in France and opened its first store in Paris. It’s good seeing Uniqlo expanding outside of Japan. The brand has a great range of basics to offer every season and a great price point.
Uniqlo Paris
Centre Commercial “Les 4 Temps”
Paris/France
Make sure to pass by on your next Paris trip!

Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo has made quite an impact in its short time outside of Japan. New York has got its own Uniqlo flagship, London got a new store as well and Paris is following soon. Hopefully the expansion goes at this speed for some time, because if you do not have one close by yet, you are definitely missing out.
The quality is good and definitely more than ok considering the price. If you are in the need of any kinds of basics, Uniqlo is the place to go. With their recent addition of t-shirts, they now also offer in that section a nice selection.
Here you get a first look at their Spring/Summer 2008 collection. They offer very solid pieces in the line, nice classic shorts, striped tees, shirts and more. Details such as the light weight fleece scarfs and the hats, make the collection less standard and boring.
Uniqlo definitely offers everything you need to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. Check out some more Spring/Summer ‘08 styles after the jump.

Uniqlo has launched Vol. 3 of their Uniqlo Paper, a magazine about Uniqlo and the industry that can be read online. The newest issue presents their new Pantone Cashmere range, nicely presented with a photoshoot of puppets. Other interesting articles are on technical materials being used in fashion nowadays and different trends in New York, London and Tokyo. Definitely worth checking out.
Read it here.

In collaboration with the Uniqlo Inspired Series and Shift Magazine in Japan the Ace Hotel has commissioned 11 Northwest Artists to create T-shirt and couch cushion designs based on the theme of travel. These T-shirts are limited edition and will be sold only at Uniqlo stores in Japan, NYC, and London, and online at ut.uniqlo.com . Many of the Artists involved have also painted original murals in the rooms of the new Ace Hotel Portland.
Artists involved in the project were: Evan B Harris, Justin “Scrappers” Morrison, Sarah Gottesdiener, Brent Wick, Jeremy Pelley, Philip Iosca, Storm Tharp, Liza Reitz, Amy Ruppell , David Kaul, Shawn Wolfe.
In celebration of the launch of these t-shirts The Ace Hotel event space in Portland, OR will host an opening party and 5 day exhibition featuring original works from many of the artists on this project, and the chance to purchase the T-shirts online. The launch party is scheduled for Friday September 28th at 9:30pm and will feature live music from NW DJs and bands and a full bar. The gallery exhibit, titled “Portland ♥’s Japan – The Art of Travel,” will remain up from September 28th through October 2nd and most of the works will be for sale by the artists.

After the jump you can check out the rest of the designs.