JW Anderson’s Uniqlo collaboration brings back Gossip Girl preppy chic

In the biggest news for cable knit jumpers since Chris Evans wore that internet-breaking sweater in Knives Out, Uniqlo has revealed its latest collaboration with uber-hyped British brand JW Anderson — and it’s all looking very Gossip Girl.

This is the latest Uniqlo collaboration following its previous successful partnerships with JW Anderson, as well as luxury fashion house Marni and German fashion designer Jil Sander.

The newest collection, titled “A Sporting Way of Life,” takes inspiration from the traditional sports of British universities, featuring cricket cardigans, tennis skirts, polo shirt-dresses and sweater vests fit for a spirited game of croquet.

Despite its distinctly British feel, the reappearance of such overtly preppy chic lends it a Gossip Girl-ish aura, with each piece looking like it was plucked straight from Blair Waldorf or Chuck Bass’ bulging wardrobe.

Northern Irish designer and creative director of JW Anderson, Jonathan Anderson, said of the collaboration: “This season reworks our idea of classic sportswear, such as a traditional cricket cardigan alongside sports leggings or hand-drawn traditional British sporting team motifs on utility shorts and more traditional knitted polo shirts.”

With some items designed to double as sportswear, Anderson made use of a variation of fabrics for the collection, with multi-purpose in mind. Both the tennis-inspired, pleated mini-skirt leggings and cropped bra tank tops are crafted from soft, quick-drying AIRism fabric, and the colour block parka is made from lightweight nylon.

The spring/summer 2023 collection is also perfect for any loyal followers of Princess Dianacore — half the models either look like a teenage Prince William, or like they’d be seen picking him up from school after a quick game of tennis in Kensington. There’s even a selection of trench-style belted dresses that are the epitome of sloane ranger.

The collection is available to purchase now.

Shop the collection

Belted lapel dress, £59.90, shop here

Short-sleeved shirt, £29.90, shop here

Cricket cardigan, £49.90, shop here

Active utility shorts, £24.90, shop here

Cricket vest, £39.90, shop here

Short-sleeved polo dress, £39.90, shop here