NEW YORK, USA — Global apparel retailer UNIQLO marked its 20th anniversary in the United States with a special event at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York. Titled The Art and Science of LifeWear, the one-night-only celebration spotlighted UNIQLO’s technology-driven design philosophy and its longstanding partnership with materials innovator Toray Industries.
The evening featured keynote speeches, an engaging panel discussion, and interactive exhibitions that brought to life the essence of LifeWear – UNIQLO’s commitment to clothing that blends simplicity, quality, and innovation. The program also highlighted new global partnerships, with acclaimed actor Cate Blanchett making her first public appearance as UNIQLO’s Global Brand Ambassador, and the unveiling of contemporary artist KAWS as the brand’s first-ever Artist in Residence.
UNIQLO Founder and Fast Retailing Chairman, President & CEO Tadashi Yanai reflected on the milestone. “Today marks the 20th anniversary of UNIQLO opening its very first U.S. store in 2005. I am thrilled to celebrate LifeWear at MoMA, a partner for over a decade. Our mission has always been to better society through clothing, and LifeWear—strengthened by our collaboration with Toray—embodies that mission. Together, we will continue to create clothing that delivers true value and meaning worldwide.”
Echoing this vision, Toray Industries President Mitsuo Ohya emphasized the shared pursuit of innovation. “Our partnership with UNIQLO began in 1999 and grew into a strategic alliance in 2006. We are united by the goal of creating clothing that improves lives. By pushing the limits of technology and material science, we aim to redefine what LifeWear can achieve.”
The highlight of the evening was a lively panel moderated by UNIQLO Creative Director Clare Waight Keller, featuring Blanchett alongside Global Brand Ambassador Roger Federer. Offering their personal perspectives on LifeWear, the discussion explored themes of style, purpose, and the future of the brand. Blanchett remarked, “It shouldn’t be a luxury to have good quality, well-made clothes and I think that’s in the DNA of the UNIQLO brand.”
To conclude, UNIQLO announced its collaboration with KAWS as Artist in Residence. The contemporary artist will contribute to upcoming art initiatives in UNIQLO stores and with museum partners worldwide, while also shaping future LifeWear collections – the first of which will debut in Fall/Winter 2025.
Guests were invited to explore interactive installations highlighting the three pillars of LifeWear: Technology For All, showcasing innovations with Toray; Art For All, celebrating UNIQLO’s continued partnership with MoMA; and Heart For All, underscoring the brand’s mission to enrich lives globally through accessible, high-quality design.
