On September 15, UNIQLO hosted a special event titled The Art and Science of LifeWear at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City to mark the 20th anniversary of its U.S. operations. The event highlighted the evolution of LifeWear through technological innovations developed in collaboration with its strategic partner, Toray Industries. It also featured the first appearance of actress Cate Blanchett as UNIQLO’s newly appointed Global Brand Ambassador, along with the announcement that contemporary artist KAWS would become the brand’s first-ever Artist in Residence.
Two Decades in the U.S. and the Evolution of LifeWear
Since opening its flagship store in SoHo, New York, in 2006, UNIQLO has steadily expanded its global presence, including a longstanding partnership with MoMA. The experiences cultivated in New York, a global hub for fashion and culture, have become a foundation for the brand’s LifeWear philosophy.
Tadashi Yanai, Chairman and President of Fast Retailing, stated, “The experiences we have gained in this fashion-conscious city have influenced every aspect of our work.”
He also emphasized the importance of designing clothing with sustainability in mind, at a time when the era of mass production and waste is coming to an end.
“UNIQLO is not fast fashion. We create timeless clothing that can be worn for years to come. Clothing is an essential tool for life, and everyone has the right to wear well-made garments crafted from quality materials. I call this the ‘democratization of clothing.’”
He added, “MADE FOR ALL is a concept unique to us, and it represents not just an idea but concrete action.”
Collaboration with Toray and Technological Innovation
Mitsuo Ohya, President of Toray Industries, also took the stage, reflecting on the company’s 100-year history while underscoring the significance of its partnership with UNIQLO.
“Since dispatching our first representative to New York in 1957, Toray has positioned the U.S. as one of our most important markets. Across diverse fields such as carbon fiber, films, resins, and textiles, we have contributed to solving global issues through the power of materials—from reducing CO₂ emissions with lighter aircraft, to ensuring safe water supply.”
Toray has also provided innovations in fields such as next-generation mobility, including flying cars, as well as the semiconductor industry. Highlighting the company’s ethos of “continuous persistence and extreme pursuit,” Ohya remarked, “Because we never stopped believing in the potential of materials, we have been able to deliver products that serve the world.”
UNIQLO and Toray began working together in 1999 and formed a strategic partnership in 2006. This collaboration led to the creation of global hits such as HeatTech and AIRism, which continue to underpin the foundation of LifeWear.
Federer and Blanchett Discuss LifeWear
In the latter half of the event, UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassadors Roger Federer and Cate Blanchett appeared on stage for a special talk session moderated by Creative Director Clare Waight Keller.
Federer commented, “I have been working with UNIQLO for seven years, and it has been a truly remarkable experience. Every time I visit Japan, I feel this even more strongly. Collaborating with UNIQLO on creative projects and material development has been incredibly inspiring. I am proud to share the philosophy of LifeWear, which supports not only my work as an athlete but also people’s everyday lives.”
Blanchett added, “Having access to high-quality, well-made clothes should not be considered a luxury. I believe this is embedded in UNIQLO’s DNA. Clothing is essential to life, and it should be accessible to everyone. I am delighted to be able to help spread this belief together with UNIQLO.”
KAWS Appointed as First Artist in Residence
To conclude the event, UNIQLO announced that KAWS would become its first-ever Artist in Residence. In this new role, KAWS will develop art initiatives in UNIQLO stores worldwide and with museum partners, while also contributing to the development of LifeWear products. His first collection is scheduled to launch in Fall/Winter 2025.
Experiencing LifeWear Through Interactive Exhibits
Guests were also invited to explore installations centered on the three core pillars of LifeWear: Technology For All, showcasing innovative collaborations with Toray; Art For All, celebrating UNIQLO’s cultural initiatives with MoMA; and Heart For All, highlighting the company’s commitment to global social contribution. These interactive displays allowed visitors to experience the multifaceted values and philosophy of LifeWear firsthand.
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