A few years back, I had the privilege of interviewing Clare Waight Keller, and if you don’t know who she is, you ought to. Previously of Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and Givenchy, Keller has more than made her name in luxury fashion, but what you might not know?
She collaborates twice a year with high-street hero Uniqlo, and has since been named the Japanese label’s Global Creative Director.
While you might not have heard of Keller’s bi-annual Uniqlo:C collections, I’d be nothing short of gobsmacked if you’d not heard of Uniqlo itself. Having gone mega-viral on more than one occasion, Uniqlo is one of the most wearable brands out there with its broad selection of elevated basics and everyday pieces.
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If you’re looking to expand your Uniqlo horizons, Clare Waight Keller’s collection does the heavy lifting for you. In time to curate your autumn wardrobe, I’ve tried on key pieces from the most recent Uniqlo:C collection – and there are some clear front-runners for your attention. Here they are, in all their glory.
Uniqlo denim trucker jacket
A denim trucker is simply a seasonal must-have as far as I’m concerned. What is autumn without fallen leaves? What is autumn without a new piece of denim in your wardrobe? And this boxy beauty makes for an excellent contender. And although it is available in a more standard indigo, I am particularly interested in this atypical olive green hue. Plus, it looks far more subtle IRL than in the online imagery.
Uniqlo barrel-leg jeans
A co-ord is always going to get my attention, and these barrel-leg jeans have been made to match the above denim Trucker to perfection. Although advertised as barrel-leg, these jeans distinctly feel less barrel than those of the past few seasons at Uniqlo – possibly inspired by the slimmer silhouettes going down the AW26 runways of late. Either way, they still flare out in all the right places, and are definitely tall-girl friendly. As for my 5ft5 self, I may have to take up the hem an inch or so.
Uniqlo crew-neck jumper
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect this simple crew-neck to grab my attention so much – but as soon as I slipped it on, I realised just how much I’ll be reaching for it in the coming weeks. It’s super lightweight, soft to the touch and surprisingly warming. Plus, that butter yellow hue is to me what a red rag is to a bull.
Uniqlo barrel-leg trousers
Do I already own Uniqlo barrel-leg trousers in navy and olive green? Yes. Did I need a third pair? No. But could I resist a third pair? Also no. And who can blame me? Super high-rise and wide-cut, these trousers are as flattering as they are easy to style.
Uniqlo sweat wide-leg trouser
Your average pair of sweats, these Uniqlo trousers are not. Cut almost like a tailored trouser, these wide-leg sweats are more polished than just a simple grey jogger. In fact, if you were to style them with the elasticated waistband covered (it can be a dead giveaway), these trousers could stand in for any in your collection in the likes of a smart-casual context.
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