SINGAPORE, June 9 — Japanese casual wear brand Uniqlo has announced French designer Christophe Lemaire as its artistic director for their newly established Uniqlo Paris R&D Centre.

Lemaire had previously served as artistic director and in similar roles for renowned global fashion houses as Lacoste and Hermes. In 2014, he announced he was stepping down as the creative director of Hermes women’s wear to pursue his own line, Lemaire.

Together with designer Sarah-Linh Tran, he created the Uniqlo and Lemaire collection which launched in October last year. This March, the collection was completed with the launch of a Spring/Summer 2016 range.

Fast Retailing Chairman, President and CEO Tadashi Yanai said in a press release that he is delighted to welcome Lemaire as a member of the Uniqlo team. “I have time and again been astonished by his outstanding talent in working together to create the Uniqlo and Lemaire collection. I look forward (to) seeing more of the innovations that he inspires, and I am confident that his tremendous experience and talent will thrive at Uniqlo.”

Under his new appointment, Lemaire has created the first Uniqlo U collection with his Paris team, and will the collection will be unveiled in Paris early next month (July). The line, which features innovations while keeping the LifeWear philosophy of providing comfortable clothing that matches all lifestyles, will launch worldwide in the Fall/Winter 2016 season.

“In working on the Uniqlo and Lemaire collection, I found Uniqlo’s commitment to product development, high quality, and teamwork truly impressive and inspirational,” said Lemaire.

“It is a challenge and a joy for me to be part of the team designing Uniqlo LifeWear — everyday clothing that resonates with people worldwide.” — TODAY