The Designer Expands Her Role from the Uniqlo: C Sub-Line to Oversee the Brand’s Core Collections
Uniqlo has appointed British designer Clare Waight Keller as its new creative director, further incorporating its established practice of collaborations with high-end designers.
Waight Keller, who previously held top creative roles at Givenchy and Chloé, launched her first collection with Uniqlo last year under the sub-label “Uniqlo: C.” This fall, she will continue her work on the Uniqlo: C line, featuring relaxed takes on classic British wardrobe staples, such as wool-blend overcoats and quilted barn jackets. Now, the designer expands this role to oversee the brand’s core collections for both men and women starting with the Fall 2024 season, according to the company.
Uniqlo has a history of working with notable designers, including J.W. Anderson, Jil Sander, Marni, and Christophe Lemaire, who continues to lead the Uniqlo U sub-brand as part of an ongoing collaboration.
The combination of everyday essentials and high-end design influence continues to fuel Uniqlo’s growth. Its parent company, Fast Retailing, has projected record revenues of 3.1 trillion Japanese yen for the 2024 fiscal year, reflecting an 11 percent increase from the previous year. A weaker yen has boosted tourism in Japan, driving strong sales in the domestic market, while Uniqlo is also expanding its presence in the US and Europe.
Waight Keller gained recognition for her effortless, feminine designs at Chloé, establishing her as a prominent figure in the fashion world. In 2017, she became creative director of Givenchy, where she oversaw notable VIP collaborations with celebrities like Rosamund Pike and Ariana Grande, as well as designing Meghan Markle’s wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Harry. Despite slower growth at Givenchy, these partnerships reinforced the brand’s luxury appeal.
As demand for luxury goods slows, Uniqlo’s approach to offering curated, stylish, and budget-friendly wardrobes may attract new customers. Fast Retailing founder and CEO Tadashi Yanai remarked,
I have been impressed by [Waight Keller’s] excellent sense of balance, which never forgets the perspective of the consumer.”