UNIQLO has announced the launch of a new high-profile artist-inspired clothing line: the KAWS + Warhol UT collection. This new line, which features artwork by KAWS and Andy Warhol, coincides with the current “KAWS + Warhol” exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. The collection will be released in stores and online on August 22nd.
The collection comprises an array of apparel and accessories, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, coach jackets, socks, tote bags, and a children’s line. On these items, KAWS’s signature characters, such as Companion, are placed next to classic Warhol’s motifs, such as his infamous banana. These graphic tees draw parallels to the thematic crossovers at the joint museum exhibition: both artists’ love of bright colors, pop culture references, and morbid themes.
Running until January 25, 2025, “KAWS + Warhol” is the first time the two artists’ work has been placed together. For the show, KAWS contributed a new series of paintings, sculptures, and installations from his recent General Mills commission that feature characters from American cereals such as Reese’s Puffs, Count Chocula, and Boo-Berry. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to show my work alongside Andy Warhol, a visionary whose art continues to inspire generations,” said Brian Donnelly, a.k.a. KAWS.
In addition to the apparel, a special KAWS + Warhol art book will be released at the same time. The book will feature an exclusive interview with KAWS.
There have been several mainstream collaborations with Pop and street artists launched in stores recently, showing the allure of these names to the fashion world. UNIQLO itself has collaborated with Warhol on three previous occasions, beginning in 2004. It has also produced a prior collection with KAWS in 2016. And in January 2020, the fashion brand released a clothing line featuring the work of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Meanwhile, in June, H&M launched a new clothing line in collaboration with the estate of Basquiat and luxury streetwear brand Who Decides War.
