Highstreet watch - Uniqlo and Jil Sander

Jil Sander's Spring collaboration with Uniqlo, is now available in the shops. With a slight improvement on the weather front, I went to have a look at the collection. I liked it. The billboards show the usual 20 year olds, looking intense and broody in black and white but I think that the clothes can also work on happy, active and relaxed 40+. Jil Sander's influence is obvious in the limited and chic colour palette, the streamlined and androgynous look but the starkness of the winter collection is softened in the Spring by lighter shades and supple fabrics.   In her own words: "In textiles, I looked for fluid behaviour that doesn't so much sculpt as underline movement." (Evening Standard, 5 January 2010).

I particularly like the "Short Tailored Blazer" in 100% polyester, which come in nice shiny colours - caramel and navy blue in particular. Polyester used to come with a health warning but I imagine this version is breathable. The same cut also exists in"tech-satin", a soft blend of cotton and a synthetic fiber, which might be less of a risk for hot-weather stewing.

Her Macs also look very good.  For those who have managed to resist the Mac craze until now, the "Double-breasted Long Trench Coat" is a good buy at £99.99.

The "Bonding stand collar coat" shown below also makes a very attractive light coat at £89.99.

I have not yet tried any of the trousers or T-shirts. I'll return for another trip with a bit more time and fewer layers to take off!

Here is Uniqlo's website for more details:
http://www.uniqlo.co.uk/catalogue/women/j