The UNIQLO U line is still going strong in 2022. UNIQLO artistic director Christophe Lemaire upholds the brand’s concept of Future LifeWear essentials for spring-summer 2022, with a practical approach to style that reflects the times. “Creating good clothes that are utilitarian and desirable, and creating pieces that you want to keep and that last a long time—and hopefully become integral to your wardrobe,” Lemaire says of the season.
The philosophy that UNIQLO U’s pieces should be functional, universal, and essential is at the brand’s heart. This viewpoint, according to Lemaire, corresponds to current attitudes toward clothing. “What’s happening today is that everyone realises we don’t need so many clothes,” Lemaire explains. “We don’t need so many objects around us. We just need the right ones. And this is what we’re trying to create.”
The lookbook for UNIQLO U’s new collection features models Issa Naciri and Samir Ali. The duo dons outfits that resemble a uniform for today’s modern man, who seeks out urban clothing that is adaptable enough for commuting. Trench coats, overshirts, a French rib cardigan, and a knitted polo shirt are all must-haves.
“We tried to create colors that we can easily match, and that are not too loud,” Lemaire says of spring’s color story. Continues the artistic director, “It’s really about subtlety and trying to find interesting neutrals that are as refined as possible: sage green, sands, light navy, and faded sunsets, but also highlights of bright orange or vermillion. And, as always, shades of black, charcoals, whites, and white with a hint of green.”