UNIQLO Partners with FIDM to Launch Upcycled Denim Collection for Fall 2024

UNIQLO Partners with FIDM to Launch Upcycled Denim Collection for Fall 2024

We're excited to announce our new partnership with the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles. This Fall 2024 semester, four talented FIDM students collaborated with our sustainability and merchandising teams and developed a fully upcycled denim collection.

The partnership with FIDM underscores our commitment to sustainability and circular fashion through its RE.UNIQLO initiative. Students crafted the collection using denim scraps provided by Fast Retailing's Jeans Innovation Center (JIC), our research and development hub for denim products. The JIC, known for advancing sustainable denim production techniques, hosted the students for an exclusive tour of its facility on September 5, officially marking the start of the collaboration.

A Unique Learning Opportunity

Over the six-week program, the students embarked on a hands-on journey, transforming the denim scraps into their own upcycled creations. Each student produced three distinct looks: a pair of pants, a top, and a jacket or accessory. Every piece reflected their unique design vision while integrating sustainability principles.

The students maintained regular check-ins with our team for feedback throughout the design process, gaining valuable insight into sustainable fashion practices. One student took on the role of Creative Director, overseeing the design process and managing the partnership's wrap event, which will showcase the students' work at a local UNIQLO store in the coming weeks.

Celebrating Creativity and Sustainability

On Thursday, November 11, UNIQLO and FIDM hosted a special event at UNIQLO South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA, to unveil the students' creations to friends, family, and the local community. The Creative Director student was responsible for curating the entire event, from photography and videography to invitation and signage design, giving them hands-on experience in event production and fashion promotion.

Through this innovative partnership, FIDM students contributed to the growing circular fashion movement and deepened their understanding of RE.UNIQLO and other sustainable solutions such as upcycling, repair, and embroidery.

Experience Sustainable Fashion with RE.UNIQLO

As a result of the partnership with FIDM, consumers will soon have the opportunity to shop similar upcycled designs inspired by the FIDM collection. By the end of this year, RE.UNIQLO Studios will offer and sell new upcycled denim creations, allowing customers to own pieces that reflect innovative design and sustainable practices. UNIQLO's Upcycling designer will draw inspiration from the FIDM designs and incorporate denim patchworking, mixing, and other traditional upcycling and Japanese design methods into the current upcycled collection offerings at the RE.UNIQLO Studios, available for purchase.

About FIDM

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) is a premier college offering specialized fashion, entertainment, beauty, and graphic design programs. FIDM provides students with hands-on learning experiences and industry connections that prepare them for successful careers in creative fields.

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