I hadn’t fully known that we had arrived at the future until the Japanese maker of my blue jeans woke me up on my iPhone with an app that featured music by a grammy nominee that alternated based on the day’s weather forecast. But here we are. 

Uniqlo’s Wake Up app is surprisingly wonderful to use, with a gentle voice waking you up (accompanied by a piano crescendo) telling you what day it is, what time it is, and what the weather’s going to be like. Very interesting brand placement Uniqlo! I am now in bed with Uniqlo.

Yesterday, the Orla Kiely collab at Uniqlo officially launched, and it looks great— and like a great way to own a bit of Orla Kiely design that doesn’t break the bank. The collection is simple and subtle- Kiely classic prints on Uniqlo basics. If the brand continues with designer collabs, they could be unique in making famous prints available to fans for less, which could be preferable to the increasingly hyped up designer collections for fast fashion that many shoppers end up disappointed in.