Do you remember where you were when H&M launched its first collaboration Versace? Or to go back even further, Topshop's experimental collaboration with Christopher Kane? I do, not least because I have always been fashion obsessed, but also because as a high-street devotee, I always feel my heart skip a beat whenever an affordable, accessible designer collection is announced.
Uniqlo is no stranger to iconic collaborations. At any given time, you can find pieces from the likes from Jil Sander, Mame Kurogouchi, Inès de La Fressange and, of course, JW Anderson. The well-considered, wearable collections are always executed in the way that only Uniqlo can, with deft precision and an incredible price point. So you can imagine my delight when the first Marni x Uniqlo partnership debuted earlier in the year. The collection was a joyful edit of printed dresses, shorts and skirts with an equally strong menswear offering, and it perfectly balanced the clean lines and functionality of Uniqlo with the avant-garde, expressive creativity of Marni. After predictable success, the collaboration is back, and I must say, the second line may be even better than the first…
I was invited to see a preview of the collection before it landed on site, and the first thing that immediately stood out was the colour palette. If you thought Uniqlo was all moody tonals and neutrals, think again. Marni brings a cacophony of colour, print and texture to an otherwise drab British winter and just might be the dose of colour that the high-street needs.
There's no mistaking that this is a winter range full of the thermals and heat-tech that Uniqlo is known for, but the introduction of chocolate brown, punchy blue and pops of citrus brights is wholly unexpected. A word to the loyal minimalists before you turn on your heels, though: Although classic Marni styling would suggest layering up pieces to clash and colour-block, I'm just as intrigued by the idea of wearing key pieces as separates with an all-black or neutral look. So I call that something for everyone.
In the name of research, I had to see and test-drive the collection in a bid to find out whether Uniqlo would be continuing its impressive collab success with another Marni partnership or whether it was a one-hit wonder. So keep scrolling for my picks of the best knits, dresses, tops and coats from the new Uniqlo x Marni collection, and a few notable mentions that I believe are truly worth the buy.
THE POPCORN KNITTED V-NECK JUMPER
And just like that, we've got ourselves a best seller. This V-neck knit is easily the hero of the collection, an easy-to-wear and easy-to-style knit that you can pair with everything from jeans to miniskirts. I love the punchy orange colourway (just imagine it with a black turtleneck underneath), but there are equally cool mustard yellow and fresh blue versions too and an excellent sleeveless vest, but more on that later.
THE MERINO BLEND KNITTED STRIPED SLEEVELESS DRESS
Without even noticing that there's a midi-skirt version in the same print, I wore a jumper over this dress to create a '90s-esque tube skirt, but if I were wearing this day-to-day, it'd likely be with a camel trench coat and knee-high boots to make the most of the head-to-toe print.
THE DOWN OVERSIZED COAT
You just can't beat a puffer coat for battling the winter blues (no pun intended). Any time I have to leave the house before sunrise (increasingly frequently now we're fully in the throes of a dark winter), I need a coat so cosy that I feel like I'm still under the duvet, and I think I just found it. If you're heading out on a staycation, going skiing, or spending time out and about this Christmas, this coat is as comfy as it looks.
THE CASHMERE STRIPED TURTLENECK JUMPER
Light enough to layer (I'll be wearing it under the Popcorn V-neck) and soft enough to feel luxurious, this cashmere turtleneck is impressively versatile, and I'm almost certain that I haven't worn baby pink before. There's also a darker, orange-and-brown striped version that would be perfect for pairing with leather trousers and black ankle boots.
THE HEAT TECH TURTLENECK THERMAL TOP
Easily another favourite top, just look at those sleeves! It also comes in four colours, so my only decision is narrowing down a favourite. Actually, at this price, I might take two.
THE POPCORN KNITTED V NECK SWEATER VEST
And now to the vest, one of my favourite trends to come out of the last couple of years. This blocky, retro-looking knit is exactly the kind of piece I'd wear over a white T-shirt throughout autumn and over a fine knit in winter. If it's good enough for Harry Styles…
THE HEAT TECH THERMAL LEGGINGS
In the spirit of fully embracing Marni's joyous colour-block styling, I tried these in green hoping to break out of my comfort zone, but the jury is still out on whether I can pull off apple-green leggings. I will add, though, that they do come in black, so if you're in need of leggings that feel so fine you'll forget you're wearing anything, but still don't go sheer, you're going to want to give these a try.
MARNI DOWN OVERSIZE VEST
After trying this on on one of the coldest days in London for a while, my review of this is a firm yes. It's near enough impossible to be cold in this, so if you're packing for a trip or spending time outdoors, be sure to add this to your list. It's the pop of colour that an all-black outfit needs.
THE BAGGY JEANS
Today I learned that no matter how much I might love baggy jeans on other people, I won't be able to wholeheartedly commit to the new It jeans of the season. At 5'6", I'm not exactly petite, but I can't quite get used to this much fabric after years spent in straight-leg jeans.
This, however, is easily my favourite piece of the collection. The perfect example of effortless polish that would would be best worn with a miniskirt and loafers, or tracksuit bottoms and a trench for the weekend. The high street doesn't get cooler than this.
THE ACCESSORIES
The vibrant accessories are such a highlight that deserve a category all of their own. Everything, and I mean everything, is a winner, from the silk scarves you'll wear as headscarves in summer to the knitted balaclava perfect for a cold winter, I'd happily buy one of each of these to bring some much-needed colour to a very grey season. Something tells me these will be the first to sell out.
Wear as a neckerchief, a hair tie, a headscarf, a bandana top… The options are endless.
Sorry, gloves. I'm all about these cute mittens now.
One of the most memorable pieces from JW Anderson's first collection for Uniqlo was the scarves, and the Marni ones are equally good (but with a cashmere upgrade).
From the runways to the street style set, everyone is wearing balaclavas, and it's one of our major winter hat trends that you'll be seeing for the foreseeable.
Not sold on bright orange? The mixed-yarn colours will be right up your street.
Echoing the vibrant, fresh colours and abstract print of the Marni S/S 23 runway.
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