Jil Sander's +J Collection Hits Uniqlo Stores Tomorrow

As consumers, we've been awash in designer/high street collaborations for a number of years now. For the most part, I've found these collaborations very disappointing. Either the cut is unfortunate or the fabric is of dodgy quality with the result that consumers are left paying for mostly hype and marketing. To date, in my opinion at least, only one such collection has lived up to expectations: Roland Mouret's capsule collection for Gap back in 2007. However, I suspect I may be adding another such collaboration to my extremely short list: Jil Sander's +J collection for Uniqlo which hits stores tomorrow in the U.K.

Part of the trick with Mouret's capsule collection was that the fit was good and the fabric was of better quality than you normally encounter at Gap. I still frequently wear the three tunic dresses I purchased from that collection and they have held up remarkably well. An interview of Sander published on TimesOnline today suggests that Sander and Uniqlo took the same approach as Mouret:

LA: Is it possible to bring your rigorous cutting to a budget line? The fabrics you used were always so luxurious and hi-tech.

JS: There is no great difference between design in exclusive and in larger numbers, if you keep a close eye on the production. What counts most is the work you invest into the prototype. I have been very meticulous about details. Some pieces of the +J collection have been fitted five times, to ensure a flawless, sculptured silhouette and unconditional ease for the wearer. As to the material, I was involved in the textile development right from the beginning. It is very important to get exactly the right products, if you want your design ideas to materialise. It was a joy to co-operate with Uniqlo, since the Japanese are highly experienced in textile innovation. We were able to look for the best possible fabric on a global scale and tried hard not to compromise our search for the lightest, most sophisticted material. As you will see, the +J collection includes some very nice hi-tech features, especially for outerwear.

The quote I extracted from the interview suggests that Sander was not only directly involved in the design of the collection but in the meticulous details of its production as well which is certainly not the case for all such collaborations. This bodes well for the overall quality of the end product. Moreover, if the collection is commercially successful, it could be setting a new standard of quality for designer/high street collaborations. I find that aspect very exciting. To view the entire collection, please visit the Uniqlo site.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[Make Do Style]

I agree and I still kick myself ref the Mouret tunics for Gap.