Goodbye to You, Uniqlo U

After a decade of becoming the frontrunner for every fashion insiders go-to for elevated, minimalist everyday basics, Uniqlo U has officially announced the release of its final collection, much to the dismay of fashionistas looking for great value everywhere. 

Launched in 2016 as an in-house apparel line, Uniqlo U has been successfully helmed by former Hermès creative director, Christophe Lemaire, alongside Sarah Linh-Tran, his co-artistic director of his namesake label, Lemaire. Developed at Uniqlo’s innovative Paris Research & Development Centre, each collection was based upon the simple philosophy of “Future Lifewear Essentials”- namely - how to make functional, daily clothing but approach it as a high-end, craft focused atelier might, all whilst trying to stay true to Uniqlo’s much sought-after affordable price tag. 

Becoming a beloved formula to the fashion world: great value but super chic, it quickly won over fashion editors, influencers and minimalist devotees alike by drawing on the pared-back aesthetic and meticulous tailoring associated with what Christophe and Sarah built at Lemaire and Hermes. Advanced fabrics such as AIRism cotton blends and PUFFTECH were paired with a restrained, neutral colour palette to create a range of timeless, gender-neutral garments that bordered on the architectural. From the hugely popular, decade-perfected crew neck T-shirt to its sister garment, the crewneck sweatshirt- which has enjoyed  the full-fledged support of Reddit since its 2020 release, each piece became a testament to Uniqlo’s (and the pairs’!) ability to make everyday essentials feel anything but ordinary. 

So now after 10 years of collaboration, Uniqlo U is ending its successful chapter with a final collection of more than 30 pieces that epitomises the style codes Christophe and Sarah introduced. Get ready to pounce on September 11th and scoop up what looks to be a greatest hits edit of its signature designs, boxy silhouettes, scrupulous tailoring and functionally clever details. You’ll find considered utility jackets, the perpetually re-imagined blousons and hooded parkas designed to withstand the torrential weather we’ve been told to brace ourselves for this winter after our delicious summer.

Naturally, the collection is of course also packed with the kind of familiar wardrobe essentials that made Uniqlo U such a phenomenon in the first place. There are 100% Lambswool cardigans made for layering, an elevated coated take on the now-ubiquitous round shoulder bag, meticulously tailored suiting that could rival Savile Row, and satin and knitted dresses ready to transcend each season. In other words, pieces intended to live in your wardrobe long after Christopher and Sarah’s final Uniqlo U drop has come and gone. 

But fear not, as Clare Waight Keller, of Givenchy and Chloé fame, joined the ranks two years ago as Uniqlo’s Creative Director and has since dedicated herself to shouldering the “high fashion for everyday” mantra, much to our delight. Adding in Francesco Risso too, most recently, who’s providing his artsy-Marni fashion perspective for a significantly lower price point. 

So, whilst this may be goodbye to Uniqlo U, its influence isn’t going anywhere. Consider your wardrobe staples officially safe. 

To be triple safe, why not shop the latest collection here below whilst stocks last: