Former Hermès designer Christophe Lemaire" class="align-top text-decoration-none text-primary"> Christophe Lemaire has joined UNIQLO as artistic director, heading up a new research and development centre in Paris.

The designer will create a new affordable line, UNIQLO U, to be revealed during Paris Couture Week in July. Lemaire commented 'The biggest issue was to design things that are essential enough to be timeless, and understood by everyone. Elevated basics, I call them'.