“There is something really beautiful about the idea of a dress,” says Hana Tajima, the UK-born, New York-based fashion designer. “It’s a complete look in one garment that can be a character you step into, which is a very powerful thing. I think that’s why we wear them for special occasions in our lives. There’s also nothing easier to wear than a dress. When it’s right, there’s no fuss.”
For her latest collaboration with Uniqlo this summer, while listening to “a lot of Burger-Highlife, a mix of synth pop and disco made by Ghanaians living in Germany in the ’80s and ’90s,” she takes that special feeling we get from a dress to everyday clothing.
She focused on creating a beautiful fit while using natural fibers like salt-shrink cotton, a breathable fabric with a delicate structure that’s perfect for the season. The dresses in the collection fit like a dream and are that from-coffee-to-cocktails wardrobe fantasy come to life — whether you’re working from home or spending an entire day about town on your first trip. Read on as she tells us more about the collection.
Ystyle: What are your favorite pieces in this collection? Why?
Hana Tajima: Each dress fits a particular mood or side of my personality. I love the versatility of the long jersey camisole dress and the way we constructed it, with the seams curving around the body, giving shape and creating movement. Just looking at it, you may not notice these details. But when you wear it, you can feel it was made for your body.
Can you explain the palette and silhouettes you focused on for this collection?
The colors are bold and fun. Feminine in a non-traditional way and beautiful against
different skin tones. And the prints bring a feeling of energy to the collection. It was
nice to create something that felt joyful and bright.
What is your favorite way of styling and layering your collection’s pieces?
These dresses are perfect for layering. It was fun to experiment with different silhouettes and textures. The cotton dobby short-sleeved belted dress in particular has a lot of different options. I like wearing it open, more like a jacket. Or over pants as a tunic.
How has the pandemic changed your creative process and, in turn, influenced this collection?
Initially I found myself returning to something elemental. Wanting to nurture my body, and to make clothes that created a sense of internal space. They were clothes designed much more for the wearer than an observer. Recently my focus has been on restoring a sense of joy. Wanting to be immersed in bold patterns and color.
What inspires you creatively these days?
I'll be releasing an album in a couple of months under the name Juka Ren, a collaboration with the musician Spencer Zahn. It's been fun to create the visual world around it. Creating costumes that can become a part of this character when I perform. It's been amazing to explore a different creative medium, to feel like a beginner and to learn from people around me.
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Hana Tajima for spring/summer 2022 is available at Uniqlo Manila Global Flagship store in Glorietta 5, Makati; SM Megamall, Mandaluyong; and online at uniqlo.com.ph.