British designer Clare Waight Keller takes the helm as creative director at Uniqlo.
- Waight Keller, known for her impactful contributions to the fashion world, has been associated with Uniqlo since 2023.
- Her renowned work includes designing the Duchess of Sussex’s wedding dress, elevating her status in the industry.
- Waight Keller’s appointment signals a new chapter for Uniqlo’s mainline and menswear collections.
- Company executives express confidence in her ability to blend creativity with consumer needs.
British designer Clare Waight Keller has been appointed as the creative director for Japanese retailer Uniqlo. This marks a significant leadership change for the company, as Waight Keller brings her extensive experience to the role, having previously worked with prestigious fashion houses such as Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and Givenchy.
Waight Keller began her collaboration with Uniqlo in September 2023, focusing initially on the Uniqlo: C womenswear line. Her achievements in fashion are widely recognised, notably her design of the wedding dress for Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, in 2018. This experience and acclaim position her as a transformative figure for Uniqlo’s mainline collections, set to include menswear from autumn/winter 2024.
Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President, and CEO of Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, expressed strong support for Waight Keller’s appointment. He highlighted her exceptional originality and a balanced approach, which aligns with Uniqlo’s consumer-focused philosophy. Yanai’s belief is that her involvement will further develop LifeWear, enhancing it into a richer everyday wear line that resonates with customers.
Yukihiro Katsuta, senior executive officer and head of R&D at Fast Retailing, also praised Waight Keller’s work on Uniqlo: C. He noted her ability to balance creation with merchandising, attributing this to her aesthetic and intellectual acumen. This skillset is viewed as critical for expanding Uniqlo’s LifeWear concept, pushing its boundaries further.
Waight Keller herself expressed excitement about her ongoing journey with Uniqlo. She appreciated the brand’s innovation and the creative opportunities provided, expressing eagerness to contribute to the evolution of LifeWear.
Clare Waight Keller’s appointment heralds an exciting era for Uniqlo, promising innovative growth in its fashion lines.
