"KAWS is entering a new chapter in his long-standing partnership with UNIQLO, and this time, he's doing more than designing collectible tees. The world-renowned artist has officially been named UNIQLO's first-ever Artist in Residence, a newly created role that positions him at the intersection of art, fashion, and global culture. The move not only reaffirms KAWS' influence as a cultural icon but also signals UNIQLO's ongoing commitment to its "Art For All" philosophy - making art accessible to the public through innovative programming and everyday apparel."
"This announcement feels like the natural evolution of a relationship that began in 2016, when KAWS first partnered with the Japanese retailer for its UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) line. Those collaborations, featuring the artist's iconic COMPANION and BFF characters, routinely sold out within hours, sparking massive queues at UNIQLO stores worldwide and setting resale markets ablaze. Over the years, KAWS has become a key figure in bridging the worlds of fine art and mainstream streetwear, and this new appointment gives him even greater latitude to shape UNIQLO's creative direction."
KAWS has been named UNIQLO's first Artist in Residence, moving beyond collectible T-shirt collaborations to a comprehensive creative role. The position empowers KAWS to curate art events at UNIQLO stores worldwide, work with the brand's museum partners, and influence future LifeWear collections that combine functionality with artistic sensibility. The partnership dates back to 2016 UT collaborations featuring COMPANION and BFF characters that sold out rapidly and bridged fine art with mainstream streetwear. KAWS plans to engage the art community and global creatives to curate new collaborators and develop fresh kinds of LifeWear aligned with the Art For All philosophy.
Read at stupidDOPE | Est. 2008
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