Uniqlo is quite well known in Japan as a fashion retailer for its minimalist and quirky designs, but in collaboration with designer Hana Tajima, the brand is making itself known for other reasons.
The new Modest Wear Collection is designed to be comfortable and contemporary, but most of all, appropriate for Muslims to wear. This means that the collection includes long skirts and vibrant hijabs.
The hijabs in particular are standouts from the collection, since they are made with Uniqlo's patented AIRism technology. This ensures that moisture is absorbed in order to keep wearers comfortable and dry, even in the hot regions of Singapore and Malaysia. As well as being mindful of modesty, the garments are priced quite reasonably, making it easy for all to have access to Muslim-appropriate clothing.
Collaborative Muslim Apparel
Uniqlo x Hana Tajima's Modest Clothing Line Honors Muslims in Asia
Trend Themes
1. Modest Wear Collection - Designing comfortable and contemporary modest clothing specifically for Muslims presents opportunities for innovative designs and new product development.
2. Airism Hijabs - Utilizing Uniqlo's patented moisture-absorbing technology in hijabs poses opportunities for disrupting the modest fashion industry and appeals to Muslims living in hot regions.
3. Affordable Muslim-appropriate Clothing - Creating affordable Muslim-appropriate clothing allows for accessible and inclusive fashion choices that could disrupt traditional fashion retail practices.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Collaborating with Muslim designers to create culturally-sensitive lines can shift current fashion retail practices that are typically Eurocentric.
2. Modest Fashion - Targeting the modest fashion industry can open doors for businesses to disrupt the traditionally conservative and sometimes stereotypical clothing options available for Muslim communities.
3. Textile Manufacturing - Developing new textile technologies and materials can open up opportunities for businesses to create clothes that are both comfortable and appropriate for Muslim communities living in hotter climates.