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We’ve spoken a little before about how Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo has (arguably) kind of a dorky image in Japan. But you can’t fault the brand’s dedication to functional fashion, as well as their market savvy. By bringing out a range of Muslim-appropriate clothing for its stores in Singapore and Malaysia, Uniqlo has demonstrated once again why they should be everyone’s go-to place for stocking up on wardrobe essentials.
The new collection is part of a collaboration between Uniqlo and designer Hana Tajima. The theme is “modest wear” and comprises several long-length skirts and dresses with simple blouses and even colorful hijabs.
The hijabs are constructed with AIRism technology, Uniqlo’s patented material which is kind of the opposite of their Heat Tech formula and absorbs moisture to help keep you cool and dry – perfect for the hot weather in Singapore and Malaysia.
Around 15 percent of Singapore’s citizens are Muslims, and in Malaysia, that number reaches 61.3 percent. So it makes perfect sense for Uniqlo to bring out a range that caters to people who may have different preferences as to the type of clothes they wear for religious reasons.
The mustard-yellow cover-up at left is both modest and fun with its bright color scheme. The loose and floaty skirt (below) would feel nice and cool in hot weather.
The new range went on sale on July 3 this year in selected stores and online. More items from the collection can be seen on Uniqlo Singapore’s website.
The hijabs come in a variety of prints and the collection begins at a thrifty US$4.90. The most expensive items are the dresses at up to US$59.90.
The designer herself had this to say about the collection: “We want to create a collection that not only appeals to modern ladies who prefer to dress modestly, but also an international audience who desire clothes that fit comfortably and look contemporary. My collection is specially designed to allow effortless mix and match for the today’s women to express their own style.”
We’re glad to hear that Uniqlo is providing affordable and comfortable options for a wide range of people in the diverse spectrum of countries in which it operates.
Sources: Cleo.com.sg, Uniqlo Singapore
Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Uniqlo introduces new international range of authentic and stylish Kabuki-inspired clothing -- What Recession? World’s Largest Uniqlo to Open in Ginza -- Japanese Fashion Chain UNIQLO Introduces Worldwide Equal Pay System Across Its Stores
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15 Comments
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SenseNotSoCommon
Canny.
mahfuz001
Please think for Japan market also. Now many muslims lives in Japan.
Wc626
There's no market for Uniqlo selling any garments to muslims. Keep the Burqua.
Why should Uniqlo tailor to their "cover-up " expectations? Muslim world needs major advancements.
lucabrasi
Profits?
Nshaikh
Looking forward to see new cloths in Japan stores as well.
Jimizo
'modest and fun'
Immodest is more fun.
NathalieB
I was confused because the yellow garment in this picture is cut down to there and up to there. Im assuming something is meant to go underneath??!
Nonetheless its a great concept - taking the muslim standards of dress but adding brighter colors and interesting cuts. Im not muslim but I often see women these days in really pretty colorful hijab, and they look really nice! Good protection from the sun too.
Ayammu
Obviously you can't read. 61.3% Malaysians are muslims and Singapore is pretty near. They will probably market it to Indonesia (which has a higher percentage of muslim population) and the whole south east asian countries branches. Uniqlo are not selling burqa. Just modest yet fashionable colourful clothing. Fyi Hana Tajima (briton+japanese) is one of the pioneers of modern muslim fashion designs.
"Muslim world needs major advancements" just because muslim women CHOSE to cover up? Does wearing revealing clothes defined advancements?
Jimizo
"Muslim world needs major advancements" just because muslim women CHOSE to cover up? Does wearing revealing clothes defined advancements'
I wouldn't be so quick to emphasize the word 'chose' here. I'm sure many women would choose to wear 'modest' attire but are you really telling us women in many Muslim majority countries are free to wear less 'modest' clothes?
genjuro
@mahfuz001 Pray tell, why does Uniqlo Japan have to cater to a muslim minority in Japan?
I can just see the future now for Uniqlo Singapore and Malaysia: full-body burqa with high-tech ventilation and ergonomic eye-flaps for easier peeking out for sale. Available in black only.
nath
You obviously have no idea whatsoever as to how Muslims in Malaysia and Singapore dress.
genjuro
@Strangerland
Oh, I do. Obviously that was a tongue-in-cheek comment. Apparently it went over your head.
nath
Having been to both countries, I wouldn't say it was obvious at all. Please explain how it's tongue in cheek, when they don't wear burqas in those countries or anything even resembling what you described.
No, I think I just called you out for being wrong. But maybe if you can explain how it was tongue in cheek, I'll agree with you.
Ayammu
I would be quick to emphasize the 'word' chose since I am a muslim woman living in Malaysia (and occasionally Singapore & Indonesia) and yes, we are free to wear whatever we like. We did chose to dress modestly and it is not compulsory by law for us to wear hijab. The only place that we are required to cover up are on the mosque ground. Despite the freedom (surprise!) a lot of muslim women dress modestly. Fyi, you don't see a lot of all black burqa around here mind you. We love colours and we do not cover our faces. Obviously, a handful of Japantoday members are oblivious/ignorant about muslims living in South East Asia when in fact we make up the majority of muslim population. I smell Islamophobia.
@genjuro. Tongue in cheek? Right...
nath
Creating clothes that target a religious segment would only be considered as taking a political/religious stand by someone bigoted against that religion.