Japanese high fashion goes mainstream with new DI collection

Uniqlo may be famous for its low priced basic apparel and HeatTech underwear, but the Japanese mass retailer is also bringing high design from upcoming fashion brands to the public with its Uniqlo Designers Invitation (DI) project. 2009 saw collaborations from New York brands Opening Ceremony, Steven Alan, Shipley & Halmos and Gilded Age.

This year, Uniqlo looks back to Japan with seven brands familiar to attendants of Japan Fashion Week. The line-up includes zechia, Han Ahn Soon, suzuki takayuki, G.V.G.V., mintdesigns, mother and fur fur.

First up is the space-age Bohemianism of zechia -- the latest brand from old-school Harajuku avant-garde brand 20741120 designers LICA and NAKA. One of zechia's pieces, priced at a reasonable ¥2,990, turns the perrennial springtime proclivity towards nautical stripes into a more psychedlic multi-patterned arrangement.

Each month will see the debut of a new designer's DI line. Next up are the cutesy high-waist tunic dresses from Han Ahn Soon -- the young collection brand closest in aesthetics to the normal vagaries of Japanese girls' fashion. (Past collection photos here.)

Zechia's DI collection is available in late February at selected Uniqlo locations.