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5 November 2007
UNIQLO: 2 Stores, 1 Day
On Wednesday 7 November 2007, UNIQLO, Japan’s number one clothing retailer will open two stores on London’s Oxford Street, including the London Flagship Store. The opening will be marked by an exclusive private performance by UK Hip-Hop artist and 2007 MOBO Award four times nominated Dizzee Rascal.
The Flagship Store is located at 311 Oxford Street and will feature 25,000 square foot of stylish, high-quality and affordable clothing and accessories for men and women, complemented by an unparalleled modern Japanese shopping experience in a stunning architectural landmark. The second store will be a 17,000 square foot site located at 170 Oxford Street.
"I have great expectations for the success of the London Flagship store. It is our first milestone within the UK (and Europe) to achieve UNIQLO's breakthrough as a true global brand".
Tadashi Yanai, Chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing.
The launch of the London flagship store also marks a rejuvenation of the brand with the launch of the new UNIQLO logo, designed by world-renowned Creative Director Kashiwa Sato. His brief was to express the atmosphere of today’s Tokyo throughout the retail space. To bring this theme to life, the London flagship store will feature elements from the “UT STORE HARAJUKU” in Tokyo. ‘UT’, short for ‘UNIQLO T-shirt’ – is a new concept designed by Sato. Each individual T-shirt will be packaged in clear plastic canisters and stored on open refrigerator-style shelves, making the shopping experience virtually self-service. The UT area of the London flagship store will serve as a shrine to this fundamental and favourite article of clothing. In celebration of this and the opening of the London flagship store, UNIQLO has launched the London Pop Culture Project a limited-edition collection of T-shirts designed by London talent including: Gareth Pugh, Kim Jones and Cassette Playa.
The look and feel of the UNIQLO London flagship store could best be described as “functional beauty,” with streamlined design providing meticulous organisation. Modern simplicity is juxtaposed by an appreciation of the building’s history, delivering iconic store architecture. Designed by the renowned interior designer Masamichi Katayama, founder and principal of Wonderwall, the store authentically recreates a unique experience of modern Japanese retail culture.
“The London flagship is part of the next generation of global flagship stores for UNIQLO. Designed uniquely for Londoners, the emphasis is on innovation and exceeding customer expectations. The original building and structure have been incorporated in the architectural interior, designed to be a landmark for Londoners. Both of these stores will be perfect showcases for our products." Said Masayuki Nagatake, CEO of UNIQLO UK, Ltd. “New collections include fashion forward pieces, highlighted in specially merchandised areas, alongside our signature items such as 100% cashmere sweaters and Japanese Kaihara denim.”
The creative force behind UNIQLO’s re-branding and creative development is New York based agency, MP Creative which was established by Markus Kiersztan (Creative Director/Art Director) in 2000. Markus has been the driving force behind a range of iconic campaigns for UNIQLO, including the Denim Campaign, featuring model Isabeli Fontana – in her first campaign since returning to work after the birth of her son, former supermodel Tatiana Patitz and Editor-in-Chief of W Magazine Dennis Freedman. The AW07 Campaign featured Californian model Shannon Click, New York socialite and musician Sarah Sophie Flicker and Japanese actor Ryuhei Matsuda. And most recently the People Campaign which launches this month and features interesting and creative people within the fashion, music and film industy, including Hollywood actress Samantha Morton, Primal Sceam frontman Bobbie Gillespie, renowned fashion stylist Katy England, UK actor Nicholas Hoult, Georgia Jagger the youngest daugher of Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones), and UK Hip-Hop artist Dizzee Rascal. UK stylist and Fashion Director of Dazed & Confused, Nicola Formichetti, is behind the styling for all UNIQLO campaigns and look books.
For further information and images, please contact Modus Publicity directly:
Nick Collins – Fashion Director
T: 020 7331 1441
E: nickc@moduspublicity.com
Charlie Savage – Account Manager
T: 020 7331 1473
E: charlies@moduspublicity.com