Uniqlo has announced a global collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, dubbed Magic For All.
The initiative will see characters from Disney’s brands, including Marvel action, Star Wars adventure and Pixar creativity to everyday Uniqlo LifeWear fashions and introduce “innovative new products, pop-up displays, and in-store and online customer experiences,” the Japanese apparel retailer said in a statement.
“We want to help everyone’s dreams come true,” said Tadashi Yanai, chairman, president and CEO of Fast Retailing.
“I look forward to bringing together LifeWear and the magic, excitement and adventure of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar to deliver enjoyment to customers all around the world through our products, customer service and shopping experience.”
Paul Candland, president of The Walt Disney Company Asia, said the entertainment giant prides itself on delivering magical experiences to fans of all ages, “whether it’s at the movies, retail, our theme parks or at home”.
“Uniqlo shares our passion for storytelling and we look forward to expanding our global collaboration creating unique experiences for fans to immerse themselves in the Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar brands.”
The Disney, Uniqlo relationship began in 2009, when the company launched its first collection of UTs (Uniqlo T-shirts) featuring iconic and treasured Disney characters, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Through Magic For All, Uniqlo will extend its collaboration beyond the UT and sweat parka lines and introduce new LifeWear items beginning in fall 2015.
Products will range from Ultra Light Down, fleece, and flannel shirts to umbrellas, plush toys, and other offerings featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and then expand to include popular characters from Star Wars, Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story, Marvel’s Avengers and Disney’s Frozen.
Customers will be introduced to Magic For All at D23 Expo, The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, in Anaheim, California from August 14-16.
A concept store featuring the full product range will open in Shanghai at the end of September. Currently under construction, it will occupy the fifth floor of the five story Uniqlo Shanghai Global Flagship, the brand’s largest worldwide.
Global flagships and large-format stores around the world will also offer Disney, Marvel and Star Wars-themed products through newly created Magic For All sections.
In spring 2016, Uniqlo will open its first store in the US southeast, at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This flagship will house the brand’s assortment of Magic For All offerings for men, women and children in a setting that captures the fantasy and magic of Disney.
On July 13, Uniqlo announced “friendship in Disney-Pixar movies” as the theme for its annual UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) Grand Prix 2016 Design Contest. First launched in 2005, the contest attracts thousands of entries from around the world. The winning designs are included in the following year’s spring summer UT Collection, which is sold worldwide. An exclusive animated short was produced to support the 2016 competition.