A new collection by Uniqlo envisions the magical world of Disney in indigo hues.
The Fast Retailing-owned brand partnered with BUAISOU, a collective of Japanese indigo artisans, to create a new Disney collection that draws inspiration from the various shades of blue derived from natural indigo.
The “Disney in Blue” collection taps into denim head culture with designs like Mickey mouse with gloves dyed blue from the indigo dyeing process, a mark of identity for indigo dyeing craftsmen; and a bandana pattern that depicts Mickey as a craftsman through a series of indigo dyeing processes.
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The original designs were created using various indigo dyeing techniques, such as stencil dyeing, discharge dyeing, and tie-dyeing. The indigo works were reproduced as prints under the supervision of BUAISOU. The dyes used for the final products are synthetic dyes inspired by natural indigo. The indigo aesthetic is carried into the collection’s embroidery thread, expressed in gradations of blue.
The collection spans men’s, women’s and kids’ graphic T-shirts as well as cotton linen camp shirts and shorts with an all-over bandana pattern design.
The collection will launch on May 19 and retail for $14.90-$39.90.
Uniqlo launched a special website for the collection that highlights BUAISOU’s dye techniques.
Founded in 2015 and based in Kamiita Town, Tokushima Prefecture, BUAISOU manages the entire indigo dyeing process, from cultivating indigo and producing the dye material called “sukumo,” to crafting the final products, traditionally carried out by separate artisans. In addition to creating original indigo-dyed items and collaborating with others, the collective participates in exhibitions and workshops both in Japan and abroad, sharing the beauty of natural indigo through various methods.
