JW Anderson Talks About Simplicity and the Urban Warrior for UNIQLO SS19

After recently teasing its latest JW ANDERSON collection, UNIQLO‘s new campaign underscores the collection of classic British styles. Paying homage to his family, Anderson balances fashionable pragmatism through the use of trench coats and bomber jackets that reference the life of his father. Anderson’s father was an internationally known rugby player who played in Ireland in the ’80s.

The men’s offerings include reversible outerwear, casual and fresh pocket T-shirts in colorful striped patterns and drawstring long trousers and a Breton striped pullover. Spring accessories are conveyed in canvas tote bag and bucket hats with seahorse and floral prints in a new and reversible design. The third collaboration encapsulates LifeWear silhouettes while embracing generational and gender borders. We caught up with Anderson to learn more about his forthcoming versatile and youthful collaboration.

You’re widely known for your clean silhouettes and sophisticated parings of British classicism. Tell us about your design process.
For me, my design process is inspired by what I see in a day, and what leads up to the final product.

How do you balance your brand ideals with the UNIQLO DNA?
I think it has been a beautiful marriage. Ultimately, we want the same thing, we want garments that are functional, garments that are beautifully designed, and I feel that UNIQLO has been an amazing platform for me, in terms of being able to extend the brand and to make it more accessible.

The inspiration was about this urban warrior, something you can dress up or down, for city life, country life, going out etc. It was about versatility.
What was the inspiration behind the capsule collection?
The inspiration was about this urban warrior, something you can dress up or down, for city life, country life, going out etc. It was about versatility.

How have you managed to democratize fashion without sacrificing your identity?
You have to always stay true to yourself and what you believe. For me, it’s how you strike a very fine balance between who you are and what is expected.

What are the key 3 factors in designing your pieces for the season?
Simplicity, texture and something that defines itself on the street.

I just feel good fashion will always not be disposable.

What are you doing that’s less disposable in the climate for fast fashion?
I just feel good fashion will always not be disposable.

Describe your favorite UNIQLO piece in stock right now.
The white t-shirt.

What was your earliest fashion memory?
My grandmother making clothing.

What was the first designer piece you bought?
I think it was a pair of Jean-Paul Gaultier trousers.

Where do you foresee menswear and streetwear in 5 years?
Hopefully, things will evolve, fashion evolves. I don’t think streetwear will disappear, but I do think it will morph into something else. I think the lines between luxury fashion and sportswear are becoming more and more blurred as we can see, but I feel like we are in the eye of the storm and it will evolve. That’s what happens in fashion.

Browse the full campaign above and be on the lookout for the launch on Thursday, March 7 in stores and UNIQLO’s website.