Carine Roitfeld x Uniqlo collection

I had the experience of interviewing Carine Roitfeld a few years ago when she collaborated with MAC Cosmetics to create the sultry capsule collection of dark, smutty grey eyeshadow and nude lips, as befits perfectly her own personal style.

That day, I must admit to being slightly intimidated prior to talking to her due to her long legacy of creating cutting edge, radical magazine visuals via her styling career and then leading the editorial vision of French Vogue to a sexually charged, risqu? tableaux of excess in direct opposition to the cleaner-cut and altogether more wholesome US editions produced by her (some might say) nemesis, Anna Wintour.

When we talked, she was far from intimidating – more a woman who is incredibly sure of her vision, which is extremely refreshing. I imagine there to be no dilution of her ideas when she chooses to collaborate with a brand. Again, that’s refreshing – and probable quite so too for the brand themselves. Isn’t that the point of these collaborations? The big name lends (sells!) their kudos and skill to act as a design revitalizer for the label. And it’s also a massive draw for us, the consumer.

So this collection by Roitfeld launching online and in Uniqlo stores tomorrow is exactly what you would imagine it to be. It’s the fashion manifestation of a kohl-laden smoky eye.

Slim, tailored coats and tuxedo jackets sit beside tight-fitting waistcoats. Sheer shirts with polka-dot detail are so damn gorgeous that on first look they leave you planning what underwear is suitable to wear beneath to maximize the impact. Pencil skirts are pivotal to the collection, as are the oh-so-slim-fit trousers that look as though they will be the most relied on of items this coming season. Accessories include silky scarves and a large crocodile tote bag that will definitely sell out in moments.

Almost all the collection is in black or grey, to be expected from Carine Roitfeld really, right!
It’s one of the nicest collabs I’ve seen in an age and I, for one, will have the credit card at the ready tomorrow morning.