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Global fashion powerhouse UNIQLO is introducing a series of ocean-themed embroidery designs at RE.UNIQLO Studio to highlight ocean conservation through fashion.
These designs were created by Redress Design Award alumna Pei-Wen Jin and will be available at 18 RE.UNIQLO Studios across Europe starting this August, with a release in Asia planned for later this fall.
This collaboration is part of Ocean Rising, an initiative created by Nekton and Schmidt Ocean Institute that connects ocean science with culture. Ocean Rising is a coalition that brings together ocean science, conservation, expeditions, and storytelling with arts, fashion, sports, music, and other cultural fields. It partners with experts from various cultural sectors to host events that creatively and innovatively highlight the ocean.
The collection features ten marine-inspired patterns that can be embroidered onto UNIQLO garments to prolong the life-time wear of the clothing.
In the summer of 2023, Redress Alumna Pei-Wen Jin was chosen to participate in a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition on the R/V Falkor (too) in the Pacific near the Panama Canal as part of the Ocean Rising project.
After being selected, Pei-Wen Jin joined an Artist-at-Sea mission, embarking on a six-day scientific expedition focused on addressing the pressing issue of microplastics aboard the R/V Falkor (too), owned by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. Alongside marine scientists, she drew inspiration and began developing her ideas for this partnership with UNIQLO.
Pei-Wen Jin’s maritime journey last year inspired her to explore the ocean’s textures and formations, particularly during her direct immersion in its vast expanse. These experiences unveiled the ocean’s aesthetic beauty and dynamic rhythm, which continuously shape our world.
Leveraging her expertise in modular geometric design, Pei-Wen Jin created a series of tangram puzzle patterns inspired by marine shapes. These patterns divide a rectangle into four oceanic modules, enabling countless combinations to depict various oceanic contours and marine life.
Using second-hand UNIQLO clothing as her canvas, Pei-Wen transformed the fabric into these modules, assembling them into a large-scale textile artwork reminiscent of a tangram puzzle. This piece embodies her vision of oceanic shapes and can be admired from afar, with hidden marine creatures waiting to be discovered, or worn directly, symbolising immersion in the ocean and integrating bodily movements into the shapes of the sea.
Pei-Wen's large-scale textile artwork opened for viewing at UNIQLO’s flagship store in Regent Street London during August and September 2024.