Designer Clothing Guide

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A stylish and sophisticated crowd that included Susan Sarandon, Patricia Field, and Bill Cunningham gathered on Thursday night to fete the opening of Uniqlo’s global flagship on Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street in New York. Santigold preformed in front of an audience that packed the 89,000 square foot store, the Japanese brand’s second location in America. “It’s emotional for me because I was born in Japan, and Uniqlo is such a family brand,” said fashion director Nicola Formichetti. “It’s a practical brand for fashionable people. There is something for everyone.”

The three-floor shop, now the largest single brand retailer on Fifth Avenue, is as big as a small mall. Yet Uniqlo’s highly organized shelving system makes for a calm and clean shopping experience. The location introduces Uniqlo’s Innovation Project, a futuristic and functional collection of wind proof, water repellant, and stretch resistant activewear. “I was shooting a video this morning with Gaga until 4 AM, then I had to go the gym, then I had to go to a meeting, and then I have to go to a party… all in one outfit,” said Nicola. “You want to have materials that can deal with all that.” Even if you don’t hang out with Gaga on a regular basis, New York subway-goers and snowboarders will certainly appreciate items like the Block Tech Mountain Parka, which is coated with a special layer to help block wind and rain. [More]