UNIQLO NAMES KAWS AS ITS FIRST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Fast Retailing has just appointed contemporary artist KAWS as UNIQLO’s first ever Artist in Residence, signalling a deeper fusion between art and accessible style. In this role, KAWS will contribute to the brand’s Art For All initiative, helping design new LifeWear products (beyond the T-shirt UT line), curate global in-store art events, and collaborate with museum partners. The first LifeWear collection co-created under this title is due Fall/Winter 2025.

The announcement also underlines UNIQLO’s strategy to make art more participatory and visible in everyday fashion. For years, UNIQLO has done collaborations with KAWS, UT collections, graphic tees, etc. Now, the Artist in Residence role expands that partnership: not just designs, but also creative curation and involvement in the future direction of LifeWear as a brand.