Japanese lifestyle brand Uniqlo recently unveiled its groundbreaking collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and its cutting-edge Design and Tech Lab (DTech Lab). This exclusive partnership birthed the Re.Live collection, a unique upcycling endeavor comprising 11 pieces that span the realms of knitwear, outerwear, shirts, jumpsuits, and accessories. The genesis of this collection can be traced back to the Re.Uniqlo program, initiated in 2022, which repurposes non-sellable and non-wearable Uniqlo products.
Scheduled for release on December 13th, the Re.Live collection will be available for purchase at Uniqlo's global flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York, specifically at the Re.Uniqlo Studio. The collection's creation and marketing were led by a talented team of five students from FIT’s Class of 2024, including three from Fashion Design and two from Advertising and Digital Design.
The Visionary Design Process Behind Uniqlo's Re.Live Collection
Under the expert guidance of Professor Juliana Cho, Fashion Design students Bridgette Schaeffer, Sam Cho, and Nuo Cheng were entrusted with specific themes and descriptive characteristics, aligning with their unique design philosophies. The result is a collection that stands out with three distinct sub-collections, each meticulously crafted with a focus on robust silhouettes and intricate details.
Delving into Uniqlo's returned items, the design team carefully selected pieces such as the Pocket Shirt, Slashed Woven Cargo Jacket, and Clashing Stripe Button Up, breathing new life into these garments with a fresh purpose. Bridgette Schaeffer, one of the design students involved in the project, emphasized the remarkable impact of globally recognized brands like Uniqlo in championing environmental consciousness. She commended Uniqlo’s commitment to sustainability through this collaboration with FIT, viewing it as a catalyst for other companies to follow suit and actively engage in sustainability dialogues within their respective industries.
Paving the Way for Integration and Expansion in Sustainable Fashion
FIT’s DTech Lab, an integral part of the Innovation Center, played a pivotal role in fostering the fusion of design-forward thinking and emerging technologies. The lab provided students with invaluable resources to revolutionize creative and retail sectors, contributing to the innovative spirit of the Re.Live collection.
Michael Ferraro, executive director of FIT’s DTech Lab, underscored the seamless synergy between Uniqlo and the lab, citing the collaborative ethos and extensive track record in trans-disciplinary projects as key factors in the success of the partnership.
Although initially launched as a limited-edition release, Uniqlo has ambitious plans for the Re.Live collection. The brand aims to integrate these upcycled designs into its ongoing range of offerings at the Re.Uniqlo Studio. Expansion of the collection will be contingent on its reception and impact in the market post-launch, reflecting Uniqlo’s ongoing commitment to sustainable fashion and innovative design.