UNIQLO's Designer Invitations Arrive: Lutz & Patmos, Halb and Kino

Haven't heard much from us about UNIQLO lately? Their Designer Invitation  Project has recruited eight designers from the U.S. and Japan to create special collections for the store, and the first fruits of those collaborations have arrived at the big SoHo flagship. Truth be told, we were a little bit late on the scene, and the men's portion by Japan's Halb (pictured center) was mostly sold through unless you are a small fellow. There still appeared to be a good selection of looks from Kino (above right) and Lutz & Patmos (above left) remaining, but who can say what will be left after the first weekend of spring. We can report that the clothes look great. The quality level looked high, and the prices were mostly in line with UNIQLO's typical range, meaning low. The standout were the beautifully detailed knits from Lutz & Patmos that compared well with their main collection that usually hangs in stores like Barney's. They translated their looks into cotton, sometimes blended with cashmere for a capsule collection of great layering pieces in soft neutrals. While none of the special items had identifying labels, L&P managed to knit their name into some of the hems.
If, like The Shophound, you were a few days late to this party don't worry. The next group of collections are expected during the second week of April featuring Alice Roi. The men's group from Alexander Plokhov for  Cloak should be arriving as well, though we have heard reports that the group was scratched after the unfortunate closing of the label. Hopefully we'll have one last chance to get some pieces from this inventive designer. If that's not enough, there is a fresh delivery of UNIQLO's  exceptional printed tees, so you won't leave the store emptyhanded. Well, does anyone?

previously: UNIQLO Snags Cloak, Phillip Lim, Alice Roi and More for Exclusives
UNIQLO 546 Broadway, between Prince and Spring Streets, SoHo