UNIQLO’S Spring/Summer collection 2013 is now available in local stores.

Prints are featured as a signature, alongside an introduction of new designs. Last November, Star2 was in Tokyo, Japan, to get a first-hand peek at the designs.

Group executive vice president Naoki Otama, group senior vice president of research and development Yukihiro Katsuta, and creative director Naoki Takizawa spoke about the brand philosophy and the technology used in producing clothing.

Apart from getting a preview of the new collection at an exhibition, we also had the chance to visit Bicqlo, located in Ginza. It is a mash-up store of clothing and gadgets between Uniqlo and one of Japan’s leading home appliances store – Bic Camera.

In Bicqlo, products are displayed to align Uniqlo clothes and Bic Camera products together. For example, casual apparel like plain tank tops or T-shirts and boxer shorts are paired with televisions and ironing machines; the two different types of products complement each other to create a practical environment.

You will also see something different in Bicqlo that is different from other Uniqlo outlets. Promoters are placed on each floor right in front of the escalator, showcasing an item while explaining the product, so that every shopper will see the featured item of the season. The layout of Bicqlo is also designed like a “maze”, so that customers will be exposed to all of Uniqlo’s different products.

Items in the Spring/Summer 2013 collection, priced between RM39.90 and RM169.90, are available at all Uniqlo stores. Uniqlo will also be opening a store in Queensbay Mall, Penang, next month. For more information, visit uniqlo.com/my.

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