Uniqlo appoints Clare Waight Keller as creative director, Zara taps Stefano Pilati for co-ed capsule

With luxury slowing down globally, accessible fashion moves in to fill the void with affordable collections by former luxury designers.

Uniqlo has appointed Clare Waight Keller as its new creative director. 

In addition to continuing Uniqlo : C – started in 2023, the sub-label features wardrobe staples with a relaxed and unmistakably British twist – she will also oversee Uniqlo’s core collection for women and men from Autumn/Winter 2024.

Keller told Vogue that one key category she’s got her eye on is denim. A new wide-leg style she introduced earlier has become one of the globally top-selling styles since launching. On the menswear front, softer tailored jackets and interesting oversized shapes will soon hit the shelves. As for outerwear, Pufftech will be introduced. Flat shoes are also a growth area she’s looking into.  

Fashion enthusiasts will remember Keller from earlier high profile stints where she helmed Richemont’s Chloe for six years and then LVMH’s Givenchy for three years.

Over at Zara, the fast fashion retailer has recruited former Yves Saint Laurent head designer Stefano Pilati for a co-ed capsule collection that will be available in Oct.

According to WWD, the collection will include 50 styles for men and 30 for women, as well as shoes and bags. The collection is expected to sell out.

It will be the first time that Pilati has designed collections based on what he likes to wear.

Pilati now helms Random Identities, a genderless clothing line. The Italian designer walked the runway for Pharrell William’s menswear debut at Louis Vuitton.