For fans of KAWS and UNIQLO UT, the latest collaboration is adding new characters to a familiar universe.
UNIQLO is launching KAWS UNIVERSE, a new UT collection created with contemporary artist KAWS, featuring his iconic COMPANION alongside characters inspired by three universal symbols: the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
The collection arrives in the Philippines on September 14, with T-shirts and sweatshirts available in adult and kids' sizes. For the first time in a KAWS collaboration with UNIQLO, the collection will also include plush charms.
What is KAWS UNIVERSE?
KAWS UNIVERSE is built around the idea that “We are better together.”
Rather than focusing only on KAWS' instantly recognizable COMPANION, the collection introduces new characters designed around familiar symbols shared across cultures and generations.
The Earth, Moon, and Sun serve as the inspiration for the new characters, with each helping express ideas of hope, warmth, familiarity, and connection.
It gives the collection a broader visual language while keeping the playful, slightly surreal quality associated with KAWS' work.
KAWS described the new characters as being inspired by things that people around the world “all live under and share,” connecting the collection to its central theme of togetherness.
New KAWS characters join COMPANION
COMPANION remains part of the collection, but it is no longer the only character taking center stage.
The new designs bring Earth, Moon, and Sun-inspired characters into the KAWS universe, creating graphics that can work across different pieces and age groups.
The collection also incorporates KAWS' recognizable “XX” motif, including more understated details and embroidery rather than relying entirely on large graphic prints.
For shoppers who prefer something more subtle, these details offer another way to wear the collaboration without making the artwork the entire focus of an outfit.
The collection is designed for adults and kids
KAWS UNIVERSE includes T-shirts and sweatshirts in adult and kids' sizes, making it possible for family members to wear pieces from the same collection.
That fits naturally with the collection's central idea of connection. Instead of positioning the designs exclusively as collector pieces for longtime KAWS fans, UNIQLO is presenting them as everyday clothing that can be worn across generations.
The designs also make the collection relatively easy to incorporate into casual wardrobes, particularly with simple jeans, shorts, or relaxed trousers.
Plush charms make their KAWS debut with UNIQLO
One of the more notable additions is the introduction of plush charms, available for the first time as part of a KAWS collaboration with UNIQLO.
Smaller than the apparel pieces, the charms extend the KAWS UNIVERSE beyond clothing. They can be carried or attached to personal items, giving fans another way to take the characters with them.
It also shifts the collaboration slightly toward the world of collectibles, where KAWS' characters have long had a strong presence.
When is the KAWS UNIVERSE collection available?
The KAWS UNIVERSE UT collection launches September 14 in the Philippines through UNIQLO.
The collection includes:
- KAWS graphic T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Adult and kids' sizes
- COMPANION designs
- New Earth, Moon, and Sun-inspired characters
- KAWS “XX” detailing and embroidery
- Plush charms
Availability, styles, and sizes may vary by store and online.
Why the collection stands out
KAWS UNIVERSE takes a familiar approach to artist collaborations by combining recognizable character design with pieces intended for everyday wear. But the introduction of new characters gives longtime KAWS fans something beyond another COMPANION-centered release.
The addition of plush charms also makes the collaboration interesting for collectors who may want a piece of the KAWS universe without buying apparel.
At its core, however, the collection stays with a simple idea: different characters, different generations, and different people can still exist within the same universe.
KAWS UNIVERSE launches September 14.