+J Walking

At long last, Japanese retailer Uniqlo has confirmed the launch date for its much-anticipated collaboration with minimalist pioneer Jil Sander. The +J collection will hit New York's Soho flagship October 1, a full range of men's and women's tailored classics, including outerwear, denim, knits and accessories.

If the just-released campaign images are any indication, Jil’s first fast-fashion foray hasn't compromised any of her design aesthetic. Pieces like a belted wool coat for women or a three-quarter light coat for men are finished with surgical precision, ensuring that Sander's signature austerity remains intact—even though, with prices ranging from $29.50 to $149.50, it'll be tough to maintain any sort of zen on opening day.

—Franklin Melendez

Hint Tip: Uniqlo

UNIQLO, the Japanese brand that brought cheap cashmere to the masses, needs your help. After winning the 2008 Cannes Lions Grand Prix award in advertising (not to be confused with that other Cannes), they've been asked to produce the official T-shirt for the same awards next year. So they've set up a competition and invited people from all over the world to design it. As long as the theme is the lion, the mascot of the festival (because it's persuasive?), the tee can be whatever you want. The top ten entries will be sold in UNIQLO stores and the winning design will be distributed to the esteemed guests of the 2009 Cannes Lions award ceremony in June.