Global Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces that it will initiate the UT Archive Project to mark the 20th anniversary of the UT brand, which debuted in 2003. The UNIQLO graphic T-shirt (UT) brand offers an array of authentic pop culture and art graphics from around the world that enable the wearer to express their individuality. The project will re-launch a collection of UTs from its releases over the past two decades in recognition of their timeless appeal. Also, on the same day, UNIQLO will open its online UT Archive to the public, allowing them to immerse themselves in the brand’s journey over the years.
The 18 designs selected for the collection from the UT archives showcase the solid foundations of this LifeWear in art, music, motion pictures, animated films, and other aspects of global pop culture. Designs include a 2003 UT with graphic art from Jean-Michel Basquiat and a piece with art from Andy Warhol, whose work has featured extensively in the UT lineup over the years. There are also a 2006 Black Jack UT with art from Osamu Tezuka and a 2009 UT commemorating the immensely popular Street Fighter video game series.
The UT Archive Site will take consumers on a journey to encounter new aspects of culture and find and their favorite items. This digital library represents UNIQLO’s commitment to adding color to daily living through the medium of the T-shirt. It will contain numerous masterpieces from over the years, covering art, characters, and corporate and brand collaborations from across the globe.
Collection Overview
Launch date: Available in UNIQLO Philippines stores nationwide
Items: ADULTS T-shirt designs (priced at Php 790)
Availability: UNIQLO stores around the Philippines and UNIQLO.com/ph
Special site: https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/en/contents/feature/ut-archive/
Lineup
(Item release years shown)
KAZUO UMEZZ
- 2008
- ©Kazuo Umezu / Shogakukan
The Genius Bakabon
- 2008
- ©Fujio Akatsuka
Sonic the Hedgehog
- 2009
- ©SEGA
Mega Man
- 2009
- ©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PAC-MAN
- 2009
- PAC-MAN™& ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Street Fighter
- 2009
- ©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Andy Warhol
- 2012
- ©/®/™ The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.
Keith Haring
- 2007
- © Keith Haring Foundation. Licensed by Artestar, New York.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
- 2003
- © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.
Daido Moriyama
- 2009
- ©Daido Moriyama Photo Foundation
Godzilla
- 2007
- TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Black Jack
- 2006
- ©Tezuka Productions
Kashiwa Sato
- 2007
- © KASHIWA SATO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Anni Albers
- 2015
- © 2022 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NewYork
- UT Archive x The Museum of Modern Art Project 2015
Matthew Brannon
- 2015
- Courtesy of Matthew Brannon
- UT Archive x The Museum of Modern Art Project 2015
Sol LeWitt
- 2017
- © 2022 The LeWitt Estate / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
- UT Archive x The Museum of Modern Art Project 2017
Stephen Shore
- 2014
- Hob Nob Restaurant, Florida, Massachusetts, July 15, 1974 © Stephen Shore
- UT Archive x The Museum of Modern Art Project 2014
Julian Opie
- 2014
- © Julian Opie 2022 / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
- UT Archive x The Museum of Modern Art Project 2014
About the UT 20th Anniversary Logo
Artist, graphic designer, and art director Kosuke Kawamura, who became UNIQLO UT Creative Director in April 2022, designed this logo by using collage to paying tribute to the UT brand’s history.