I Just Tried On Uniqlo's New Marni Collab—These Are the Pieces That Stood Out

Do you remember where you were when H&M launched its first collaboration Versace? Or to go back even further, Topshop's experimental collaboration with Christopher Kane? I do, not least because I have always been fashion obsessed, but also because as a high-street devotee, I always feel my heart skip a beat whenever an affordable, accessible designer collection is announced.

Uniqlo is no stranger to iconic collaborations. At any given time, you can find pieces from the likes from Jil Sander, Mame Kurogouchi, Inès de La Fressange and, of course, JW Anderson. The well-considered, wearable collections are always executed in the way that only Uniqlo can, with deft precision and an incredible price point. So you can imagine my delight when the first Marni x Uniqlo partnership debuted earlier in the year. The collection was a joyful edit of printed dresses, shorts and skirts with an equally strong menswear offering, and it perfectly balanced the clean lines and functionality of Uniqlo with the avant-garde, expressive creativity of Marni. After predictable success, the collaboration is back, and I must say, the second line may be even better than the first…

uniqlo-marni-304073-1669803264519-main

(Image credit: COURTESY OF UNIQLO)

I was invited to see a preview of the collection before it landed on site, and the first thing that immediately stood out was the colour palette. If you thought Uniqlo was all moody tonals and neutrals, think again. Marni brings a cacophony of colour, print and texture to an otherwise drab British winter and just might be the dose of colour that the high-street needs.

uniqlo-marni-304073-1669803294997-main

There's no mistaking that this is a winter range full of the thermals and heat-tech that Uniqlo is known for, but the introduction of chocolate brown, punchy blue and pops of citrus brights is wholly unexpected. A word to the loyal minimalists before you turn on your heels, though: Although classic Marni styling would suggest layering up pieces to clash and colour-block, I'm just as intrigued by the idea of wearing key pieces as separates with an all-black or neutral look. So I call that something for everyone. 

In the name of research, I had to see and test-drive the collection in a bid to find out whether Uniqlo would be continuing its impressive collab success with another Marni partnership or whether it was a one-hit wonder. So keep scrolling for my picks of the best knits, dresses, tops and coats from the new Uniqlo x Marni collection, and a few notable mentions that I believe are truly worth the buy.

THE POPCORN KNITTED V-NECK JUMPER 

uniqlo-marni-304073-1669754407505-main

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

THE MERINO BLEND KNITTED STRIPED SLEEVELESS DRESS

THE DOWN OVERSIZED COAT 

uniqlo-marni-304073-1669753000778-main

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

THE CASHMERE STRIPED TURTLENECK JUMPER

THE HEAT TECH TURTLENECK THERMAL TOP 

uniqlo-marni-304073-1669756940495-main

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

THE POPCORN KNITTED V NECK SWEATER VEST

THE HEAT TECH THERMAL LEGGINGS 

MARNI DOWN OVERSIZE VEST

THE BAGGY JEANS

uniqlo-marni-304073-1669904563443-main

(Image credit: @remyfarrell)

THE ACCESSORIES 

The vibrant accessories are such a highlight that deserve a category all of their own. Everything, and I mean everything, is a winner, from the silk scarves you'll wear as headscarves in summer to the knitted balaclava perfect for a cold winter, I'd happily buy one of each of these to bring some much-needed colour to a very grey season. Something tells me these will be the first to sell out. 

Up Next, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About

Remy Farrell
Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.