Uniqlo Names Clare Waight Keller as New Creative Director

British designer Clare Waight Keller has been appointed as the new creative director of Uniqlo, marking a significant step in the Japanese retailer’s ongoing collaboration with luxury fashion talent. Known for her previous roles at LVMH-owned Givenchy and Richemont’s Chloé, Waight Keller brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive design aesthetic to Uniqlo’s expanding creative landscape.

Last year, Waight Keller introduced her first collection with Uniqlo through a sub-label titled “Uniqlo: C,” which featured a range of pieces characterized by their relaxed elegance and modern interpretations of British classics. Building on this success, she will continue to lead the “Uniqlo: C” line this fall, with the upcoming collection focusing on British wardrobe staples, such as wool-blend overcoats and quilted barn jackets reminiscent of Barbour styles. Additionally, Waight Keller will be responsible for overseeing Uniqlo’s core women’s and men’s collections for the Fall Winter 2024 season.

This appointment underscores Uniqlo’s commitment to integrating high-fashion influences into its accessible clothing lines. The brand, celebrated for its affordable yet stylish basics like puffer jackets and poly-blend T-shirts, has a history of successful collaborations with renowned designers, including J.W. Anderson, Jil Sander, Marni, and Christophe Lemaire, who continues to direct the “Uniqlo U” sub-brand.

With the global luxury market experiencing a slowdown, Uniqlo’s approach of blending high-end design with accessible pricing could attract a broader customer base. Fast Retailing’s CEO, Tadashi Yanai, expressed confidence in Waight Keller’s vision, noting, “I have been impressed by her excellent sense of balance, which never forgets the perspective of the consumer.” 

Waight Keller’s reputation for creating easy-to-wear, sophisticated pieces, as demonstrated during her time at Chloé, helped solidify her status as a leading figure in fashion design. Her tenure at Givenchy included high-profile moments, such as designing Meghan Markle’s wedding gown and collaborations with celebrities like Rosamund Pike and Ariana Grande. These projects maintained Givenchy’s luxurious image, even as growth challenges emerged.