UNIQLO Phils unveils Spring/Summer 2013 collection

The global fashion brand UNIQLO revealed a much-awaited summer collection at Taguig's Venice Piazza last Thursday. 

 

As guests waited for the program to begin, a bubbly audio-visual segment alternated with a timer that counted down to 19:00 kept them on the edge of their seats in anticipation.

 

The HOTLEGS Dance Co. opened the show, starting off with a Japanese-inspired mix and morphing into a theatrical number that had them putting on pieces from the UNIQLO's S/S 2013 collection mid-dance.   

They did all this while jumping to choreography and laughing arm-in-arm, as if going for a walk in the park. As it turns out, a series of pieces from the collection were made with just that in mind. 

 

Picnic basket not included

 

JM Rodriquez, who hosted the event, kept a running commentary, describing just such a walk in the park as an international cast of models clad in bright pastels and prints skipped down the runway. Hats, tote bags, umbrellas and even a shih tzu puppy accompanied the perfect-for-a-picnic outfits. 

 

The sets that followed were classified as “at the office,” for the work days, and “in companionship and exuberance,” and also for casual outings.

 

The newest collection of UNIQLO bottoms expanded the old line dramatically this season. It now includes every summer staple imaginable — from skinny jeans, tapered denims and leggings to flared culottes and shorts. The range of colors and prints is just as impressive with pretty florals, polka dots and gingham among them. 

 

For men, summer shorts come embroidered with nautical emblems or printed in paisley, madras, or polka dots, while over 20 different colors brighten up their collection of ultra-thin slim fit chinos.

 

Pleated skirts, maxi dresses

 

The new dress collection has also branched out to include summery broderie anglaise for the first time. Dropped-waist t-shirt dresses, white shifts with pleated skirts, jersey maxi dresses in grey marls and even some ponte knit pieces are part of the collection as well. 

 

The light summer pieces will be available come March 2013, while the heavier fabric dresses are already available now.

 

Other things to look forward to come March are designer collaborations with British textile designer Celia Birtwell, New Zealand-based whimsical designer Karen Walker, and English countryside brand Cabbages & Roses.   

Celia Birtwell’s collection will include an exclusive range of tunic vests, jeggings, pyjamas, culottes, tote bags and stoles, among others; while Cabbage & Roses will add a homey touch to a line of dresses, tees, hoodies, tops, trousers, shorts and totes — some of which are already currently available. 

 

The UT set of graphic t-shirts graced with icons from the likes of Disney-Pixar and “Star Wars” is also available now.  

 

Loafer wear is lounge wear

 

Adding a final Japanese touch to their collection for the Philippines, UNIQLO will introduce the Steteco (men’s) and Relaco (women’s) pants to the loafer inside all of us. 

 

Originally worn as men’s innerwear in the 19th century, these pants have now evolved into modern loungewear that's not only worn under other clothes. Quick-drying, breathable and stylish in a wide selection of colors and prints, these bottoms are a summer must-have. 

 

Two specially-formulated fabrics make UNIQLO garments even more covetable for summer. Powder-soft denim is made from 60% cotton and 40% linen ultra-thin fibers which make it incredibly soft and lightweight. 

 

AIRism, the counterpart to the brand’s warming HEATTECH fabric, is made of super-fine fibers which give the wearer a comfortable “second skin feeling.” Both fabrics are breathable and quick-drying, making them perfect for tropical weather. 

 

Dubbed LifeWear, these pieces reflect what everyone — every Pinoy — wants in a piece of clothing: style, comfort, and room for the “you” in the outfit to show. 

 

“Believe it or not, I never get tired of my clothing. . .because they make me feel like me,” said COO Katsumi Kubota when he talked about wearing UNIQLO every day. 

 

All smiles in his “Monsters Inc. UT”, he ended with a happy “Thank you for UNIQLO clothing!” – KDM, GMA News  Photos courtesy of UNIQLO Phils.