Uniqlo’s New Designer Collab Is Frilly, Romantic And Perfect For Spring

On a recent trip to Copenhagen, I had one very important task to check off my to-do list: visit Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen’s flagship boutique. I wanted something special to remember this trip by, a small piece of the city’s thriving fashion scene. I had been daydreaming of browsing racks upon racks of tulle, organza, ruffles and bows for weeks when I arrived outside the address I had carefully bookmarked and colour-coded into my Google Maps itinerary only to find out that visits are by appointments only. It might have been for the best: Bahnsen’s signature multi-tiered frilly dresses are not exactly affordable. Still, I set up alerts on Poshmark, The Real Real and eBay, but nothing in my size—or within my budget—ever popped up.

So when an email landed in my inbox announcing Uniqlo’s first LifeWear capsule collection with Cecilie Bahnsen, it felt like a little gift from the universe. The Japanese retailer has launched many successful designer collabs over the past few years—with the likes of Marimekko, Jonathan Anderson, Clare Waight Keller and Anya Hindmarch—but this marks its first foray into all-out feminine whimsy. It’s also a first for Bahnsen, who designed a curated girls’ line to match the adult pieces.

Designed around the theme “Shapes of Poetry,” the collection is a dreamy round-up of tops, skirts and dresses that put a casual, everyday spin on Banhsen’s dreamy voluminous silhouettes and romantic frills. Fans of the designer will recognize her usual palette—black and white, with pops of pink and red—which makes mixing and matching pieces a breeze. With shirring and ruffled trims galore, it’s a collection that elevates basic spring and summer pieces to blend comfort and cool-girl style.

From a gingham matching set to the one-and-done midi dress of my dreams, here are some of the pieces I’ve bookmarked ahead of the collection’s launch on May 21.

Shirring Volume Sleeve T-Shirt, $40

With its delicate shirring, frilly trims and voluminous sleeves, this top perfectly encapsulates the romantic spirit of the collection. I’m partial to the gingham motif for spring and summer, but this design also comes in black and white.

Shirring Skirt, $60

There’s nothing better than a matching set on a hot summer day. This frilly gingham skirt is the perfect companion to the shirred top above for a head-to-toe look that comes together effortlessly. I would personally wear this set with combat boots to give it an edge, but it would look great paired with red strappy sandals for drinks with the girls.

Frill Short Sleeve T-Shirt Dress, $50

This 100-percent cotton A-line dress is far from basic—it features a bold ruffle trim and adorable floral patches. It's the perfect one-and-done option for off-duty days when you still want to look put-together. I’m hoping to snag it in black for my summer vacation to pair with a baseball cap, sneakers and my beloved Uniqlo crescent bag.

Shirring Sleeveless T-Shirt, $40

You can’t go wrong with a cute tank, and this one has a matching red shirred skirt for a matchy-matchy moment. It also comes in white, black and gingham.

Frill T-Shirt, $40

If you’re looking for a whimsical take on the white tee, this is a fantastic—and affordable!—option. Like the T-shirt dress above, it’s adorned with a monochromatic ruffle trim and floral patches.

Shirring Dress Sleeveless, $80

Perhaps the most versatile piece of the collection, this shirred midi dress—also available in red and gingham—can be layered with a tee or double as a beach cover-up. And there's more: the straps have buttons for an adjustable fit.

Graphic T-Shirt, $30

A graphic tee can revamp your weekend wardrobe, and this collection delivers plenty of options. I have a soft spot for this minimalist design with floral appliqués, which comes in white, black, grey and pink.