KAWS, the renowned contemporary artist known for his distinctive cartoon-like characters and streetwear collaborations, has been appointed as Uniqlo's first-ever artist-in-residence. The internationally acclaimed artist, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, will begin his new role immediately to help expand the Japanese clothing retailer's "Art for All" philosophy across its global operations.

In his groundbreaking position, KAWS will be responsible for curating art events at Uniqlo stores worldwide and developing collaborations with the brand's extensive network of museum partners. These prestigious partnerships include major institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Modern in London, the Louvre in Paris, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Over recent years, Uniqlo customers have become familiar with products featuring famous artworks from these museum collections.

The appointment represents a natural evolution of KAWS's existing relationship with Uniqlo, which began in 2016. His iconic cross-eyed "Companion" character, a giant version of which stands prominently in the Brooklyn Museum lobby, has regularly appeared on Uniqlo garments throughout their partnership. However, it remains unclear whether the beloved Companion will feature in KAWS's inaugural collection as artist-in-residence, which is scheduled for release in Fall/Winter 2025.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, KAWS stated, "I am thrilled to be taking this next step with my longtime partner UNIQLO to become the brand's first Artist in Residence." He elaborated on his vision for the position, saying, "In this role, I hope to tap into the art community and global creatives to curate the next generation of UNIQLO collaborators."

John C Jay, president of global creative at Fast Retailing, Uniqlo's parent company, emphasized the cultural significance of the appointment. "In our ever-evolving world, art is now more important than ever as an expression of our humanity," Jay explained. He drew parallels between KAWS's artistic approach and Uniqlo's business philosophy, noting that "KAWS has been breaking the traditional boundaries of the art world, just as Uniqlo [has] in its efforts to redefine the apparel industry through LifeWear."

Jay further outlined the company's expectations for the collaboration, stating, "As our Artist in Residence, KAWS will help Uniqlo to expand the global appreciation and participation of art and creativity for all." This appointment underscores Uniqlo's commitment to making art more accessible to mainstream consumers while reinforcing KAWS's reputation as both a serious artist and successful entrepreneur who has mastered the intersection of fine art and commercial appeal.