Japan’s Uniqlo unveils new tennis collection by Clare Waight Keller and Roger Federer in Paris

Clare Waight Keller and Roger Federer joined forces for Uniqlo. The flagship label of the Japanese group Fast Retailing launched a new apparel line on May 12, bearing the name of the tennis icon, who has served as the brand’s ambassador since 2018. To spotlight the launch, the Swiss athlete rallied with young players at the Tennis Club de Paris, located in the city’s western quarter. A dozen girls and boys—dressed in navy Uniqlo shorts and polos—enthusiastically played against the retired yet still razor-sharp champion, who wore the same ensemble.

Uniqlo, which operates nearly 2,500 stores globally—including 28 in France—selected Paris to unveil the collection. The line combines technical precision with minimalist aesthetics across seven pieces, available in navy, black and white.

“It’s an exciting day because we’ve been talking about this collection for months, selecting the pieces, debating the materials over Zoom … and now it’s real,” Federer said, speaking alongside Waight Keller.

The British designer, who became Uniqlo’s artistic director in September 2024 after leading a Uniqlo: C capsule in 2023, joined Federer to present a line that merges functional precision with understated elegance.

The collection includes a Dry-Ex polo with a grid-textured knit, a lightweight and breathable Airism polo, and a seamless knit hoodie engineered for both structure and lightness. The shorts and pants feature thermobonded seams to minimize skin irritation. A discreet logo of two white squares appears at the collar or cuff. Prices range from €24.90 to €59.90.

For Waight Keller, former creative director of Givenchy, the challenge lay in balancing performance needs with the Japanese simplicity that defines Uniqlo’s DNA.

“When I started working with Uniqlo, I didn’t fully grasp the concept of lifewear—that idea of democratic clothing,” she said. “But after conversations with the teams, I came to understand the brand’s language. Roger and I wanted this collection to fit every moment of the day—whether you’re exercising, traveling or heading to a meeting. Designing a staple means being meticulous about proportions and materials. You need to refine every detail of the design.”

Uniqlo had previously collaborated with Federer in 2023 on a lifewear capsule created with the studio of Irish designer Jonathan Anderson. This time, the brand is leveling up by launching a more technically advanced collection, positioning itself competitively against global fast-fashion players like H&M Move, Primark Active, Zara Athleticz and Shein Sport. Even Inditex has expanded its presence in the activewear market by repositioning its Oysho label. With Federer’s international appeal, Uniqlo holds an ace—and Clare Waight Keller is its second.

“I left the world of luxury houses to immerse myself in a Japanese company that speaks to everyone,” Waight Keller said. “It gives me the opportunity to explore new territories, like performance wear. For me, this is a new journey. I observe, I immerse myself in the culture. There’s something unique about it. It’s not rigid—it’s focused. And that makes all the difference.”

This marks Uniqlo’s first sport-oriented collection under Waight Keller, but Federer suggested it will not be the last. “I think this collection is just a first step,” the tennis legend said. “There’s so much more to explore in the intersection of fashion and sport. These are two worlds that captivate people and demand constant reinvention. I believe we can go even further.”

Possibly with expanded offerings for women, beyond the initial selection revealed on Monday.