Uniqlo names Kaws as first artist in residence

Global apparel retailer Uniqlo has appointed Kaws, the contemporary artist known for his distinctive art style that subverts pop culture, as its first artist in residence.

In this role, Kaws will collaborate with Uniqlo on a range of projects designed to advance its “Art For All” philosophy. This includes staging art events at Uniqlo flagship stores around the world and working with the brand’s museum partners. Kaws will also contribute to the development of future LifeWear products, with the first collection set to debut for Fall/Winter 2025, and will be actively involved in UT Grand Prix competitions.

“In our ever-evolving world, art is now more important than ever as an expression of our humanity. Kaws has been breaking the traditional boundaries of the art world, just as Uniqlo in its efforts to redefine the apparel industry through LifeWear” said president of global creative of Fast Retailing, John C. Jay. “As our artist in residence, Kaws will help Uniqlo to expand the global appreciation and participation of art and creativity for all.”

The appointment builds on a nearly decade-long collaboration between Uniqlo and Kaws, which has produced some of the brand’s most popular UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) collections. Since their first joint project in 2016, collaborations have included partnerships with Peanuts (2017), Sesame Street (2018), and a special Kaws: Summer release in 2019, as well as recent projects such as the Kaws Tokyo First collection in 2021 and the 2024 Kaws + Warhol drop.

“I am thrilled to be taking this next step with my longtime partner Uniqlo to become the brand’s first artist in residence. In this role, I hope to tap into the art community and global creatives to curate the next generation of Uniqlo collaborators” said Kaws. “I am looking forward to working on exciting new kinds of LifeWear.”