Uniqlo, the Japanese lifestyle brand, has unveiled its exclusive upcycling collection called Re.Live, a collaborative effort with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and its Design and Tech Lab (DTech Lab). This collection, set to release on December 13th, comprises 11 pieces, including knitwear, outerwear, shirts, jumpsuits, and accessories. The collaboration originated from non-sellable and non-wearable Uniqlo products within the Re.Uniqlo program initiated in 2022.
For this project, a team of five students from FIT’s Class of 2024, specializing in Fashion Design and Advertising and Digital Design, worked together to conceive, design, and execute the collection, along with its marketing campaign. Guided by Professor Juliana Cho, the Fashion Design students focused on themes aligning with their design philosophies, resulting in three distinct collections.
The students carefully selected returned Uniqlo items, such as the Pocket Shirt, Slashed Woven Cargo Jacket, and Clashing Stripe Button Up, to infuse these garments with new purpose, emphasizing robust silhouettes and intricate details.
Bridgette Schaeffer, one of the design students involved, praised Uniqlo’s commitment to sustainability and emphasized the impact of globally recognized brands like Uniqlo in promoting environmental consciousness. She sees this collaboration as a positive step that could inspire other companies to engage in sustainability dialogues.
FIT’s DTech Lab, known for its forward-thinking approach and merging of design with emerging technologies, played a crucial role in supporting students in transforming creative and retail sectors.
Michael Ferraro, executive director of FIT’s DTech Lab, highlighted the seamless synergy between Uniqlo and the lab, given the collaborative ethos and extensive track record in trans-disciplinary projects.
Initially launching as a limited-edition release, Uniqlo plans to integrate these designs into the ongoing range of upcycled offerings at Re.Uniqlo Studio. The brand is open to potential expansion based on the collection’s reception and impact post-launch.
