KAWS Appointed as UNIQLO’s First Artist in Residence

Summary

• KAWS has been named UNIQLO’s inaugural Artist in Residence to expand the “Art For All” philosophy
• In his new role, he will curate art events and develop future LifeWear products
• His first collection is scheduled for Fall/Winter 2025, deepening a partnership that began in 2016

KAWS is officially joining UNIQLO as the brand’s inaugural Artist in Residence.

In this new role, the acclaimed artist will help UNIQLO expand its “Art For All” philosophy by curating art events at stores globally and collaborating with the brand’s various museum partners. He is also set to play an integral part in developing future LifeWear products, with the first collection scheduled to arrive in Fall/Winter 2025.

KAWS expressed his excitement about the new position, “I am thrilled to be taking this next step with my longtime partner UNIQLO to become the brand’s first Artist In Residence.” He continued, In this role, I hope to tap into the art community and global creatives to curate the next generation of UNIQLO collaborators. I am looking forward to working on exciting new kinds of LifeWear.”

“In our ever-evolving world, art is now more important than ever as an expression of our humanity. KAWS has been breaking the traditional boundaries of the art world, just as Uniqlo in its efforts to redefine the apparel industry through LifeWear,” added President of Global Creative of Fast Retailing, John C Jay. “As our Artist In Residence, KAWS will help Uniqlo to expand the global appreciation and participation of art and creativity for all.”

The Artist in Residence position is a comprehensive role that will also involve introducing new collaborators and proposing creative concepts. This new partnership deepens a relationship that began in 2016, building on a history of successful collections.