UNIQLO UT and Pop Mart have unveiled a collaborative t-shirt collection featuring Pop Mart’s “The Monsters,” playful elf-like characters hailing from the Nordic forest. This partnership, joining UNIQLO’s history of notable collaborations like JW Anderson and KAWS, was celebrated with a fashionable party hosted by UNIQLO UT, Pop Mart, and NYCFaces.com at New York City venue the blond.
The characters, designed by artist Kasing Lung, include the hugely popular Labubu. The character’s fame was highlighted by designer Marc Jacobs frequently accessorizing his handbag with Labubu figures.
Attendees climbed the blond’s spiral staircase into a party featuring a photobooth, where guests posed wearing their UT x Pop Mart shirts and Labubu accessories. Upon entry, guests selected complimentary t-shirts from the new collection. Options included black, white, gray, or pink shirts adorned with vibrant Monsterland artwork.
As guests arrived and chose shirts, others relaxed on banquettes, sipping specialty cocktails (the Hidden Grove Margarita and the Mischievous Sour) while DJ Haruka provided music. Guests proudly displayed their favorite tees from the collection, comparing styles. Observing the selections, every shirt color found a home with an attendee, rendering all equally popular. Notably, the Pop Mart half-zip sweatshirt from the collection was the first item to run out.
Guest Harry Hill shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I love my UNIQLO tee with the Monsters because I don’t always remember to bring my Labubu with me.” He showcased his mini Labubu accessory, calling it “super chic” and noting it fit perfectly on his Balenciaga bag, summing up the party vibe as “groovy.”
Creative Director Valerie Zhang wore the same white collaboration tee as Harry but styled it business-casual with a shirt and tie layered on top. She accessorized her handbag with multiple Labubu figures, explaining the “mother/daughter” look of pairing differently sized versions.
The party guest list included Harry Hill, Valerie Zhang, Mickey Boardman, Anya Tisdale, Brittany Byrd, Carlisle Aikens, Chloe Jane, Cjay Syres, Coco Bassey, Emma Rogue, Gia Seo, Jack Powers, Jo Rosenthal, Kai Lee, Max Abrams, Perris Howard, Rob Li, and Tana Mongeau.