UNIQLO focuses on 1920’s style in latest special collection
AT the beginning of the year, BusinessWorld predicted that fashions from the 1920s would come back in style, thanks to Laver’s Law.* Japanese global retailer Uniqlo, in its latest collaboration with model and author Ines de la Fressange, has coming out with a collection based on the year 1924.
Uniqlo’s Ines de la Fressange 2020 Spring/Summer collaboration line features fashion inspired by the Summer Olympics of 1924, which was held in Paris. By then, the pre-World War strictures prescribed on women (in clothing, at least) were being chipped away. The corset, for example, was on its way out permanently. In certain contexts, trousers were seen on women (only at sea or at the beach, anywhere else would have been scandalous). But especially, the freedom of movement given to women by the ’20s also allowed them to participate in some sports (women had played sports in previous decades, but sportswear looked remarkably as heavy as daywear).
This is reflected in the loose, flowy garments suggestive of the gamine from the collection, rendered either in pastels, soft earth tones, or florals. Other pieces are inspired by French cowboys in Arles (the denim), as well as outdoor life in the 1920s (garden parties!).
There’s more than a touch here of the early styles that made Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel a household name in the 1920s. There are sweaters and jackets with contrast piping, beige and black cardigans, pussy bows, white cuffs on shirts, and a fit recalling relaxation in power. It’s an affectionate recall, as Mlle. De la Fressange, daughter of a marquis and a model, embodied the early Lagerfeld period of the Chanel brand. Rumor has it that she was selected as a model due to her resemblance to the house’s founder, Coco herself.
The complete 54-piece 1924-themed collection will only be available at the Uniqlo Flagship Store, Glorietta 5, and through uniqlo.com. A few pieces will be made available in stores nationwide. — Joseph L. Garcia
