- Simone Preuss
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Star Wars fans can rejoice as Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo is
introducing its Stars Wars-inspired UT collection this Monday. The company
revealed in a press release on Wednesday that it is the first Master of
Graphics project for its UT (Uniqlo t-shirt) series, reinterpreted by three
of Japan’s most famous streetwear artists – Jun Takahashi, Tetsu Nishiyama
and UT creative director Nigo.
“I fondly remember Star Wars as the first science fiction movie I saw
in my childhood. The characters and prop designs are endlessly novel and
fascinating. As a long-term fan, I was delighted and honored to take part
in this project. I used a cartoon series I really loved as a design motif,”
commented Takahashi in the press release.
The 48-year-old designer and founder of the brand Undercover has chosen
the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO as motifs for the four t-shirts designed by him
and shows them from a special perspective that offers insight into his
unique perception. An example of this is a design that brings a touch of
danger to the fantasy setting of the furry bipeds of the Ewok on Endor’s
forest moon.
Nigo’s favourite character of all Star Wars films is the Rodian bounty
hunter Greedo, which he immortalised on one of the four t-shirts designed
by him, as well as a quote by Yoda and his own depiction of the cult
figure. “I adored the Star Wars films so much that I grew up around them.
They were all great, but episodes IV, V and VI stood out most. I loved the
scene in which Greedo appeared, although this was where Han Solo blasted
him. The exchange between the characters and the rhythm of Greedo’s speech
were superb. I want people to enjoy quotes from Greedo and Yoda on the
UTs,” explained Uniqlo’s 48-year-old creative director.
Nishiyama has dedicated one of his four t-shirts to the dewbacks, the
robust riding and pack animals that are not often seen in the movies but
are among his favourite figures of the 1990s. There is also a graphic with
a Mandalorian recruitment poster and a psychedelic portrayal of the
infamous Boba Fett.
“Star Wars and Lucasfilm had a tremendous impact on me,” remembers the
45-year-old designer, known for the streetwear labels Forty Percent Against
Rights, WTAPS and Descendant. “Even today, the figures and other
merchandise in particular appeal to me as a fan and creator. So, when asked
to take part in this project I was determined to put my heart and soul into
it as a Star Wars fan.”
The Star Wars UT collection is part of Magic for All, a global
collaboration with the Walt Disney Company to bring the dreams and delights
of Disney to people around the world through clothes.
The Uniqlo x Star Wars collection consists of 12 t-shirts for adults and
six for children. The adult unisex t-shirts cost 14.90 US dollars and those
for children 9.90 US dollars. The complete collection is available in
Uniqlo stores worldwide and online via Uniqlo.com from 29th April.
Photos: Uniqlo, copyright Lucasfilm Ltd.
