UNIQLO has taken its long-standing partnership with pop culture artist KAWS to a new level, naming him the brand’s first-ever Artist in Residence. This expanded collaboration aims to fuse contemporary art and fashion, bringing KAWS’ unique vision to LifeWear while reinforcing UNIQLO’s commitment to global creative engagement.
Uniqlo collaboration: Art For All on a global scale
As part of this new initiative, KAWS will enhance UNIQLO’s Art For All philosophy through flagship events at stores worldwide, as well as special collaborations with major museum partners. The artist’s role goes beyond apparel drops, extending to creative input on future LifeWear collections and projects with UNIQLO’s global brand ambassadors. This approach underscores the brand’s dedication to making art accessible while fostering innovation in everyday clothing.
Uniqlo artist collaborations
The first LifeWear collection developed under KAWS’ guidance is set to launch for Fall/Winter 2025, marking the beginning of a series of projects that will integrate art into UNIQLO’s designs. Beyond collections, KAWS will contribute to UT Grand Prix competitions, work with museum partners, and participate in unique art activations at flagship stores, elevating the intersection of fashion, culture, and creative expression.
A decade of UNIQLO x KAWS
This new Artist in Residence role builds on nearly a decade of successful UNIQLO x KAWS collaborations, including UT collections with Peanuts (2017), Sesame Street (2018), and the KAWS: Summer 2019 release. More recent projects, such as KAWS Tokyo First (2021) and the 2024 KAWS + Warhol drop, demonstrate the enduring popularity of these creative partnerships.
With KAWS now shaping future LifeWear pieces and global art initiatives, UNIQLO reinforces its position at the forefront of accessible, art-driven fashion. The collaboration promises to bring fresh creativity to everyday clothing while inspiring a new generation of artists and designers.