The Japanese retailer Uniqlo has brought together two great minds to bring a compact collection to life. Roger Federer x JW Anderson Collection is set to be available at Uniqlo stores and online globally on September 4.
Originally known for making well-designed basics, Uniqlo is shifting into an all-season collection approach, calling it Lifewear. The capsule collection seamlessly combines Roger Federer’s background as a sportsman and Jonathan Anderson’s offbeat design skills.
The collection will feature nine genderless apparel, including a wide range of polos, sweaters, shorts, and a sports bag. The pieces revolve around a set colour palette of black, white, grey, and blue, drawing inspiration from Federer’s illustrious career. Uniqlo’s Dry-Ex material is also used to keep the wearer cool and dry. Alongside the classics, the capsule also features a colour-blocked blue and black crewneck sweater, a zipped jacket, and a white tracksuit with navy, green, and white piping details.
The collection is called Lifewear in Uniqlo’s announcement post, but the line falls under more of an elevated activewear category. With the choice of fabrics, outfit details and colour combinations, the inclusive capsule has statement styles with traditional notes.
This is the first time Uniqlo has collaborated with both designer Anderson and twenty-time Grand Slam winner Federer together. However, the Japanese brand has previously worked with each of them individually. Since 2018, Roger Federer has been an ambassador for the brand. He has a $300 million 10-year sponsorship deal with the clothing company. Meanwhile, Anderson has been working with Uniqlo since 2017, creating capsules for both men and women.
In 2018, Federer had ended his endorsement deal with activewear giant Nike, to join hands with Uniqlo. The brand then made intensive performance wear for the player who wore it to all his games.
In an interview with Forbes, Federer said, “There are certain colours I don’t like to wear. You don’t see me in yellow. There are certain materials that don’t work well with sweat, or they stick to your body. When you start thinking about your outfit at all times during a match, because you’re struggling with that stuff, it’s never fun. The good thing is when it flows, especially when you’re playing outdoors. The good thing is when you feel it’s almost drying by itself, or if you’re sweating and there’s a cooling sensation, I like good socks. Uniqlo has great socks, so I think that’s important. You need to have really good stability in your shoes, and it starts with your socks other than that, I like it if you look good, you feel good, and you play well. I believe in that.”
