UNIQLO x UNDERCOVER S/S '12 MENSWEAR

This week, the full look preview for individual garments from Uniqlo's upcoming debut collection with Jun Takahashi's Undercover was unveiled, after being shown the family lookbook. As a collaboration project, it's hard not to compare it with Uniqlo's previous venture with Jil Sander for +J, but there's really little similarities at all. "UU" at first look plays more with colours and some more unconventional shaping perhaps, with some amusing shirt styles and bottoms to come out, all rather quirky and Japanese. The three items pictured have caught my attention most, including the hooded sweat with nice buttoned pockets and contrasting drawstring, set to be available in 9 summer colours. The cotton t-shirt looks to have a good shape and light feel with minimal stitching or branding, perhaps as one would expect with Uniqlo. And as for the biker jacket that has fronted the collection since it's initial announcement months back, I'm still not sure what it's made of, maybe synthetic leather and polyester sleeves, which I'll have to judge upon first hand viewing as and when the collection launches on March 16th. Price points are very good too at more than reasonable value. The wait is almost over.

UNIQLO +J FALL/WINTER 2011

With Uniqlo having announced the end of their collaboration with Jil Sander for their hit +J project, this range of quality chic set for the Fall/Winter season this year is the final show. We've been given a preview for the much anticipated line earlier this week, dark colourways appear to be dominant for the cold season with a lot of black and brown tones. This pictured premium down vest in a deep green looks cool, with a good fit, clean cut pockets and slick shape. Now entering the latter half of August and thus autumn, I'd expect to see this ultimate +J collection in stores soon, after which we can look forward to the new project with Undercover. Uniqlo looking bright as always.

UNIQLO x UNDERCOVER COLLABORATION

We found out a few weeks ago that Uniqlo's hit partnership with Jil Sanders and her +J collection will be ending come the end of the year, with the initial 3-year deal not to be renewed. It was a successful project, proving that high quality chic garments can be accessible, and such well designed pieces too. But Uniqlo have been quick to find a new collaboration, agreed as a long-term project, they have joined up with Japanese brand Undercover led by Jun Takahashi. They're a unique brand offering "strange but beautiful" products in multiple stores across Japan.  The first pieces will be released for Spring 2012 and this is something to be excited for.

JAPAN RELIEF : ENTRY TWENTY-SIX

Uniqlo's Save Japan range I posted about before are finally ready to go on sale. Working with Vogue and GQ, they've brought ten inspiring t-shirt designs with collaborations from the world's top celebrities.

The devastating effects of the events three months ago are still being felt. In fact, just yesterday an earthquake of magnitude 6.7 hit the Tohoku region, where clearing efforts and rebuilding works are ongoing daily with the help of volunteers both local and from afar. This t-shirt range comes at great timing, reminding the rest of the world not to forget. They go on sale in stores worldwide tonight at just £12.99 a piece. Pick your favourites and wear them with heart.

JAPAN RELIEF : ENTRY TWENTY-TWO

Uniqlo have unveiled their Save Japan! UT range, supported by Vogue and GQ, releasing 10 t-shirts with words from global celebrities, including Orlando Bloom, Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham. With proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross Society and a target of ¥100,000,000 set, it looks like a brilliant project to aid the victims from the earthquake and tsunami. Available in unisex sizes, they launch on June 25th so pick your favourite and get one.