KAWS x UNIQLO: the KAWS UNIVERSE collection has landed

KAWS x UNIQLO: the KAWS UNIVERSE collection has landed

The collaboration that has produced queues outside Uniqlo stores is back, and it is available now. KAWS UNIVERSE brings four T-shirts, three sweatshirts and three bag charms for adults, alongside a separate kids' line.

• The collection is available now, online and in stores

• Four characters: Earth, Moon, Sun and COMPANION

• Apparel runs XS to 3XL, listed as unisex

• Bag charms are priced level with the T-shirts, making them the cheapest way in

• A kids' line sits alongside the ten adult pieces described here

What the collection is about

Start with the idea, because it explains the cast.

Uniqlo describes KAWS UNIVERSE as a reminder that we are better together. Hence characters that appear alongside each other rather than alone.

Earth, Moon and Sun stand here with COMPANION, the best-known figure in KAWS's work and a fixture of it for years. All carry his signature crossed-out eyes.

The brand talks about expressing warmth and connection through playful colour and expressive linework, and that reads most clearly where the characters appear together.

The T-shirts

Four designs, in sizes XS to 3XL.

White with the Sun and COMPANION, carrying a small chest print. The most restrained piece in the collection.

Black with the Moon, with the print placed on the back.

Dark green with Earth, with a large front print in which COMPANION holds the globe. Visually the boldest of the four.

White with three characters, rendered as a line drawing. It is the only piece showing Sun, Moon and Earth at once, making it the best pick for anyone wanting a single item rather than a set.

The sweatshirts

Three designs, again XS to 3XL.

Light grey with the Sun and COMPANION, with a small chest print.

Dark green with Earth, with a large print on the back.

Black with the Moon, with the print at the front.

Worth noting that the sweatshirts and T-shirts do not repeat the designs one for one. The Earth motif sits on the front of the T-shirt and the back of the sweatshirt, so pairing them does not read as the same thing twice.

The bag charms

Three plush charms, one per character: a yellow Sun, a mint Moon and a blue-green Earth.

Each carries a metal ring for attaching to a bag, and each is priced level with a T-shirt.

That makes them the cheapest way into this collaboration and a piece with no sizing to worry about, which is why on previous KAWS x UNIQLO collections it was exactly these extras that cleared fastest.

The kids' line

Beyond the pieces described above, the collection includes a separate line for children, with its own range.

Worth knowing if you are after a version for the whole family, since that is not a given on this collaboration.

Where to buy

The collection is available now, both online and in the chain's stores. The full product list sits on the KAWS UNIVERSE collection page.

Our promotions section is worth a look too.

What to watch for

The size range is broad but the cut is unisex. XS to 3XL is generous, though on unisex-listed apparel it is worth checking the size chart, because the fit often runs looser than the size suggests.

KAWS x UNIQLO collections clear quickly. Previous drops sold out within hours, with individual pieces later trading at a clear premium. Something being available today does not mean it will be next week.

The bag charms will go first. Priced level with a T-shirt and with no sizing involved, they are the easiest purchase in the collection.

Decide whether you want the print front or back. On this collection that is a real distinction, because the same motif is placed differently on the T-shirt and the sweatshirt.

FAQ

What is in the KAWS UNIVERSE collection?

Ten pieces for adults: four T-shirts, three sweatshirts and three plush bag charms. A separate kids' line sits alongside them.

Which characters feature?

Earth, Moon and Sun, appearing alongside COMPANION, the best-known figure in KAWS's work.

Is the collection available now?

Yes. It is on sale online and in Uniqlo stores.

What sizes are available?

Apparel from XS to 3XL, listed as unisex. Bag charms come in one size.

Which piece shows all the characters?

The white T-shirt with the three-character line drawing is the only one showing Sun, Moon and Earth together.

How do the sweatshirts differ from the T-shirts?

Beyond the fabric, the print placement differs. The Earth motif appears on the front of the T-shirt and the back of the sweatshirt.

In summary

The collection is organised around a clear idea rather than a set of unrelated prints. Three celestial bodies alongside COMPANION, across three product categories, carrying a message about being better together.

If you want in at the lowest outlay, the bag charm costs the same as a T-shirt and involves no sizing.

And if you want a single piece that sums the thing up, the white T-shirt with the three characters is the only one showing them all at once.