Uniqlo announces collaboration with Kaws for UT Collection

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Feb 24, 2016

Uniqlo announced on Tuesday a collaboration line for UT (Uniqlo T-shirts) with Brooklyn-based artist, Kaws. The artist will work with Nigo, the UT Creative Director, on the line that will launch in Spring 2016.

 
The collaboration collection celebrates UT’s fusion of fashion with authentic pop culture. The 12-piece collection of men’s t-shirts will feature Kaws’ artworks and signature characters that have become very popular over the years.
 
Nigo and Kaws have been friends and frequent collaborators for over 20 years. The UT Creative Director and Bape founder said about the collection, “We went through a ton of ideas to come up with some great results. I think the T-shirts and other items in the collection reflect Kaws' amazing worldview. I've created things with Kaws quite a few times before, and we've got a lot of respect for each other. This project was no exception.”

Kaws added, “I have always enjoyed working in different medium, whether it be plastic toys, painting, bronze sculpture, or graphic design. UT is a cool canvas for making my artwork available to people virtually everywhere.”
 
The Brooklyn-based artist has explored many forms of art throughout his career beginning with graffiti and street art before tackling graphic and product design, murals, paintings and large-scale sculptures. His most notable work includes reinterpretations of The Simpsons family, Spongebob Squarepants and the cover and artwork of Kanye West’s album, 808s & Heartbreak. Kaws latest work, an eighteen-foot-high wood sculpture entitled, Along the Way’ is currently at the Brooklyn Museum and will remain through March 27, 2016.
 
UT first launched in 2003 as part of Uniqlo LifeWear, and the line took on a new direction when Nigo was appointed Creative Director in October 2013. UT is said to embody a quest to enhance individual lifestyles through quality clothing.