Japanese Fashion: Uniqlo, Tokyo Street Style, Denim — 2026-10-23
Uniqlo has announced a 4% price hike on key fall/winter items in Japan, citing yen weakness and cost pressures, while simultaneously launching a high-profile knitwear collaboration with Marni’s Francesco Risso. Meanwhile, denim brands from the Bitchu-Bingo region are showcasing new selvedge lines at FaW TOKYO, and Ralph Lauren is hosting a vintage market in Harajuku to mark its 50th anniversary in Japan.
Japanese Fashion: Uniqlo, Tokyo Street Style, Denim — 2026-10-23
Top developments
Uniqlo hikes prices in Japan amid yen volatility
Starting November 10, Uniqlo will raise the average selling price of 11 fall/winter items in Japan by approximately 4%. The "Miracle Pants" will see a significant 25% price increase, while the "Miracle Jacket" rises by 14.3%. This move reflects the strain on Fast Retailing's SPA (Specialty store retailer of Private label Apparel) model due to the weak yen and rising production costs.
Uniqlo x Francesco Risso knitwear collection launches
Uniqlo will release the "UNIQLO F.RISSO" 2026 Knitwear Capsule Collection on October 30. The collaboration with Italian designer Francesco Risso, known for his work at Marni, features bold, textured knitwear designed for adults seeking high-fashion aesthetics at accessible price points. This capsule is part of Uniqlo’s strategy to elevate brand perception through designer partnerships.
Okayama denim makers showcase at FaW TOKYO
The "FaW TOKYO" fashion exhibition, held in early October, featured a dedicated corner for denim producers from the Bitchu and Bingo regions (Okayama and Hiroshima prefectures). Companies like Shinohara Textile highlighted their selvedge denim craftsmanship, aiming to connect local artisans with global buyers and reinforce the region's status as a denim hub.
Ralph Lauren hosts "PoloFest" in Harajuku
To celebrate its 50th anniversary in Japan, Ralph Lauren is hosting "PoloFest," an exhibition and vintage market, from October 23–25 at the Yodobashi J6 Building in Harajuku. The event includes an immersive exhibition and a collector-focused vintage market, tapping into the growing interest in heritage and resale culture in Tokyo’s street fashion scene.
Local view
Consumer sentiment regarding Uniqlo’s price increases is mixed, with some loyal customers on Japanese social media expressing frustration over the "premiumization" of staple items like the Miracle Pants. Media outlets like Livedoor News highlight voices saying they are "graduating" from the brand due to rising costs, signaling a potential shift in how Japanese consumers perceive value in mass-market apparel.
Context & numbers
- Price Increases: Uniqlo’s fall/winter price hike averages 4%, with specific items like the Miracle Pants rising 25%.
- Fast Retailing Performance: In the fiscal year ended August 2026, Fast Retailing reported revenue of ¥3.96 trillion (+16.6% YoY) and net profit of ¥542.5 billion (+25.3% YoY), marking the fifth consecutive year of record profits.
- Store Expansion: Fast Retailing forecasts a total of 3,545 stores by August 2027, including 1,752 UNIQLO International stores.
On the radar
- October 23–25: Ralph Lauren's "PoloFest" vintage market and exhibition in Harajuku.
- October 30: Launch of the UNIQLO F.RISSO 2026 Knitwear Capsule Collection.
- November 10: Implementation of Uniqlo’s price increases in Japan.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
