Upon moving to New York for school, a classmate of mine recommended Uniqlo, the Japanese minimalist store when I eyed her fabulous skinny jeans. Their 1st US store is here in New York, right in the heart of SoHo. Coincidentally, our then brand management professor had just issued us a case study on them. Uniqlo’s concept is one of “unbranded” apparel, much like MUJI. Their apparel is minimalistic and a perfect place to shop for basics. It’s much like an Asian version of the Gap except the focus is on fun, simple & modern apparel. You’ll rarely see patterns but rather bright bold colors and classic pieces you’ll always wear, nothing too trendy or fashion forward. My personal favourites are their merino wool cardigans, skinny jeans, leggings, Uniqlo’s HEATTECH technology turtlenecks (thin, insulated innerwear) and made in Japan tights, which of course come in an array of colours .

Recently, Jil Sander did a capsule collection for Uniqlo, J+ and boy was there a line! This collaboration was a match made in heaven; Jil Sander’s minimalist aesthetic was simply perfect with Uniqlo’s simple but modern lines. As much as I’ve been practicing great self-control over my shopping habits - I couldn’t say no to a grey woolen pea coat, one out of Jil Sander’s 100 piece collaboration with Japanese basics mecca. *Sigh* With prices this affordable, it was hard to resist.

The selection was great for anyone looking to stock up on the classics - cashmere cardis, sweater, crisp shirts, woolen blazers & coats. Apparently according to some line-bloggers, there were more men than women. My co-worker picked up 2 coats for her husband. Great shapes and well-fitted, I slid into the heathered charcoal pea coat and was thrilled at the fit I had to get it. It was Jil Sander afterall! According to the fashion blogs, Jil Sander will reprise another collection with Uniqlo next spring! So until we get one in Canada, the next time you’re in New York be sure to look it up!

Daphne Howe, partlySunny Contributor