KAWS x UT Is Coming On 8 September: We Ask Uniqlo How They’re Going To Control Crowds
In a scene that would be typically associated with Black Friday sales in America, chaos reigns worldwide whenever Uniqlo drops a collection with KAWS. He has collaborated extensively with UNIQLO, including by providing designs for the PEACE FOR ALL charity project in 2022, which was a huge worldwide success.
On this very day, back in 2019, we covered the first KAWS x UT collab as there was bedlam at the IOI shopping mall in Putrajaya as the store gates were broken and shoppers even climbed onto display racks to throw shirts into the crowd.
Over in China, crazed shoppers even ripped the limbs off mannequins to remove their shirts:
Chinese shoppers are going absolutely crazy over UNIQLO x KAWS collection: https://t.co/DeC9xNgpOk pic.twitter.com/T01gYCAHXB— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) June 3, 2019
You can expect Uniqlo hypebeasts to flock to the store again as the new KAWS x UT collection drops in Malaysia on 8 September. Uniqlo will be launching a definitive book on the renowned contemporary artist KAWS together with global book publisher Phaidon and a new UT T-Shirt collaboration collection with the artist. The collection will also be available online.
Naturally, the first thought that came to our minds was, “Will chaos ensue again?” so we reached out to UNIQLO. This is what they said, “In recognition of the artists and artwork's popularity, UNIQLO will be issuing numbered tickets to customers. As part of entrance restrictions, queues will be divided for customers interested in purchasing the KAWS x UT collection and those looking for other UNIQLO products. We will also have security guards on hand to manage the crowd effectively.”
What will be in the KAWS x UT collection?
If you’re a fan, you’ll probably buy anything with the image of the characters plastered on it but here’s what to look out for:
1. Designs in the collection of T-shirts (RM59.90 for adults and RM39.90 for kids) and sweatshirts (RM129.90 for adults, RM79.90 for kids) will feature KAWS’ signature COMPANION and BFF characters (the latter in bright pink), the cover of the new book, as well as the artist’s iconic XX motif both in adults unisex and kids’ sizes. Each customer is limited to two pieces per design.
2. The KAWS Art Book (RM299.90) claims to be the ultimate compendium of the artist. One customer is only allowed to purchase the book, which will be available from 8-22 September.
Some of the largest UNIQLO stores around the globe will be wrapped in designs featuring KAWS’ characters but no word yet if this will include Malaysia.
KAWS x UT Freebies
Besides the clothes and the art book, we foresee that these freebies will be resold at exorbitant prices too:
1. Customers simultaneously buying the art book and at least one UT item from this collaboration collection will receive a free shoulder bag, while stocks last. The bag features the book’s cover on the front and KAWS’ iconic XX motif embroidered on the back.
2. Purchase two or more items from the KAWS UT Collection (including the art book) and receive a special sticker (one of three random designs) as a gift.
3. For a limited time, UNIQLO will also package and ship orders made through uniqlo.com from 8 September in special custom boxes branded with KAWS’ distinctive designs.
Who is KAWS?
In case you have no idea who KAWS is, he’s American artist and designer Brian Donnelly. His paintings sell for eight-figure sums at auctions while his giant inflatables have been seen at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Known for his collectible toys and sculpture, he has also worked with streetwear labels such as Supreme and Bathing Ape.
Speaking about these upcoming releases, Kaws said, “I’m pleased to be exclusively launching my new Phaidon Contemporary Artist Series book with my longtime partner UNIQLO. To celebrate the occasion, I designed a small capsule collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts that will be available for a limited time. I hope you enjoy the collection!”
See more about the collection here.
Image credit: Uniqlo