Uniqlo has just announced a major step in its long standing relationship with contemporary artist KAWS. The announcement was made at the Museum of Modern Art during New York Fashion Week, marking a new chapter in what has already been a long and successful partnership.
For nearly a decade, the global fashion retailer and the artist have partnered on collections that blur the line between art and everyday wear. Now, KAWS has been named Uniqlo’s very first Artist in Residence, a role designed to bring art even closer to daily life.
For those less familiar with his work, KAWS—Brian Donnelly—is best known for his “Companions,” cartoon like figures with crossed eyes that blends the boundary between contemporary art and collectable design. Over the years, his pieces have appeared everywhere from gallery walls to towering public sculptures, and of course, to the rails of Uniqlo stores worldwide.
So what does an Artist in Residence actually do? In KAWS’s case, quite a lot. He will help bring in new collaborators, come up with fresh concepts, take part in the UT Grand Prix competition, and appear at cultural events with the brand’s ambassadors. On top of that, he has a hand in shaping LifeWear, Uniqlo’s line of everyday clothing, with his first collection already confirmed for Autumn/Winter 2025.
“I am thrilled to be taking this next step with my longtime partner Uniqlo,” KAWS said. “In this role, I hope to tap into the art community and global creatives to curate the next generation of Uniqlo collaborators.”
The appointment reflects Uniqlo’s ethos that art isn't reserved for galleries and collectors, but remains accessible in everyday life. John Jay, president of Global Creative at Fast Retailing, explained it this way: “In our ever-evolving world, art is now more important than ever as an expression of our humanity. KAWS will help Uniqlo to expand the global appreciation and participation of art and creativity for all.”
Since their first UT KAWS collection in 2016, the partnership has delivered some of the most sought-after graphic tees and collaborations, including playful crossovers with Peanuts and Sesame Street. More recent drops, like the 2023 KAWS art book and the 2024 KAWS + Warhol collection, showed how the collaboration could move beyond simple prints into deeper cultural projects. This residency takes that idea further, bridging the line between art you admire and art you live in.
