The Opening Ceremony for Uniqlo collection has just dropped in Uniqlo’s online store to virtually no fanfare. Compared to H&M and Topman’s recent collabs this drop has barely been mentioned by the company, who seem to be adopting a no marketing approach to this collection in the UK. The Steven Alan collection for women is also available on the site and features some nice pieces there. The O.C. collection includes a zip front cardigan, blazers, plaid shirts and a knitted vest.

Check out the collection here.

Check after the jump for pictures of the rest of the collection.

News arrived last night of the re-emergence of Jil Sander into the fashion world. The designer has signed with Japan’s Uniqlo to oversee their main fashion ranges. This is her first work in the industry since 2004 after leaving her namesake label due to management issues with Prada. We’re excited to see the outcome and applaud Uniqlo’s continuing effort to collaborate with high fashion designers. (photo: ap)

We don’t feature Uniqlo’s mainline pieces much here at Selectism, everyone knows about Uniqlo’s quality and value, so what’s the point in us going on about it?. But this check parka is so good we thought it warranted special attention. If you’ve been suitably inspired by Patrik Ervell’s shows then this is the perfect piece to wear with chinos and an oxford. It’s also an actual bargain rather than a relative one at £30. Get it from Uniqlo.

Dazed & Confused’s creative director, Nicola Formichetti has his hands dirty in everything from editorial to styling. Now, he dips his hands into more “screened” design graphics with this series of t-shirts for UNIQLO’s “Stylist” collaborations. The “Nicopanda” graphic which pulls influence from Aztec art is thrown against both a black and yellow base shirts. We have to give it to Mr. Formichetti. 

More views of the Nicola Formichetti for UNIQLO “Nicopanda” T-Shirts after the jump.

(L-R: Gilded Age and Opening Ceremony)

News of Uniqlo’s forthcoming collaboration with Steven Alan & Opening Ceremony slipped out onto the internet a week or so ago and now they’ve offically announced Shipley & Hamos and Gilded Age to their list of spring collaborators. Named the Uniqlo Designer Invitation project, The release date for Steven Alan and Opening Ceremony will be March 9th (We’re waiting to see if there’s a Biggie influence in the collabos) and the Gilded Age and Shipley & Hamos collections will be available April 13th.

I guarantee this is the best 3.90$US (or 3 for 10$) dollar ankle socks you will ever buy. Not that you would not want to cover you ankles this winter, but who know… you may well be into it. I show you these Uniqlo basics as an example of how even the most trivial of garments can be crafted for excellence. The mid ribbing in the sock is the secret. Unlike most socks, there is no extra support between the toes and the heel. This ribbing allows for stretching and expansion without hurting the integrity of the sock. 

I will be the first to admit that their Fall 2008 colors are way in line with the pastel movement, but trust me on this, Uniqlo socks are the best on the market. Let’s battle.

More views of the Uniqlo Tipped Fine Pile Socks after the jump.

Uniqlo once again proofs its innovative character. A while back we were impressed with the opening of their first UT store, selling t-shirts out of vending machines. Today we present you another great addition to Uniqlo stores – Wakamaru.

It is the first robot ever to be featured in a retail store environment, will be joining the UNIQLO team the second week in September. Designed by Toshiyuki Kita and developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), wakamaru is neither human or machine; it is the first creation of its kind.  wakamaru’s capabilities include eye contact, basic conversation, ability to recognize people and greet them, voice recognition, and basic arm movements. wakamaru will hold a unique role in the UNIQLO store.  It will lead staff in motivational morning exercises, communicate promotions to customers, as well as greet customers upon entrance into the store.

In about a weeks time you will be able to meet wakamaru in the Uniqlo Soho store.

Mens.style.com this morning, is bringing us some of the first looks into Uniqlo’s Designers Invitation Project featuring a collection by the NY based design group, Loden Dager.

The six style line features very reasonably priced shirts, trousers, polos, and (very in the now) over the knee shorts, ranging from 30$US – 80$US

Uniqlo’s Designers Invitation Project will continue to feature emerging designers to produce well priced in house collections over the coming seasons. Visit Mens.Style.com for more views and photos.

Beginning of December Japanese retailer Uniqlo arrived in France and opened its first store in Paris. It’s good seeing Uniqlo expanding outside of Japan. The brand has a great range of basics to offer every season and a great price point.

Uniqlo Paris

Centre Commercial “Les 4 Temps”

Paris/France

Make sure to pass by on your next Paris trip!

Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo has made quite an impact in its short time outside of Japan. New York has got its own Uniqlo flagship, London got a new store as well and Paris is following soon. Hopefully the expansion goes at this speed for some time, because if you do not have one close by yet, you are definitely missing out.

The quality is good and definitely more than ok considering the price. If you are in the need of any kinds of basics, Uniqlo is the place to go. With their recent addition of t-shirts, they now also offer in that section a nice selection.

Here you get a first look at their Spring/Summer 2008 collection. They offer very solid pieces in the line, nice classic shorts, striped tees, shirts and more. Details such as the light weight fleece scarfs and the hats, make the collection less standard and boring.

Uniqlo definitely offers everything you need to fill the gaps in your wardrobe. Check out some more Spring/Summer ‘08 styles after the jump.