Cate Blanchett and Uniqlo Want Your Essay: What “Stories She Tells” Is and How It Will Work

3 min read

Part of today’s What You Missed: Thursday, Oct 29.

The hook

“Even though women represent over half of the world’s population, their stories are often kept out of the mainstream.” Cate Blanchett said that to WWD on Oct. 29 as she launched “Stories She Tells,” Uniqlo’s first-ever literary magazine, with the University of Tokyo.

What happened

• The project. Uniqlo’s new literary magazine will feature essays that highlight women’s experiences and perspectives, WWD reports. Uniqlo said the project “aims to share diverse voices and perspectives across genders and generations, fostering new dialogue and connections.”
• The first issue. It is scheduled for autumn 2027, with the theme “Connection.”
• The open call. Essays will be chosen through an open call, with Blanchett chairing the selection committee. Selected contributors will also get support for their writing and mentorship opportunities.
• The timeline. Japanese fashion outlet Fashionsnap reports that the essay call opens this winter and that details on eligibility and selection will be announced around December 2026.
• The partners. The project launched with the University of Tokyo, and WWD says it aims to expand through partnerships with universities around the world. The magazine will also include academic research papers and literary works related to the theme.

How it started

Blanchett told WWD the idea came from conversations with Koji Yanai, group senior executive officer of Uniqlo’s parent Fast Retailing, about a year ago. “We started talking about shared passions,” she said. “Koji and I obviously share a great love of film, but we all imbibe literature.”

At a press conference at the University of Tokyo, WWD reports, she read from Mieko Kawakami’s novel “Breasts and Eggs,” with Kawakami on stage, and from “Belonging” by Clarice Lispector. She also explained why the written word matters to her: “For me, it’s often not until I write something down that I remember to recall it later on.”

Why people care

Fashion brands launch magazines all the time, but most are catalogs with nicer paper. This is different: an open call for real writers, chaired by a two-time Oscar winner, with a university partner and mentorship attached. It also fits the moment. Brands want cultural credibility, and readers increasingly want long, slow, human writing in a feed built for speed.

What it means for you

• Career. If you write, this is a rare global platform with a big name reading the submissions. Start drafting now on the theme “Connection” so you are ready when the rules arrive in December. Watch the official details for eligibility before you submit.
• Money. WWD’s report does not mention payment terms. Read the official rules carefully once they are published.
• Shopping. Uniqlo already edits its own LifeWear magazine, Blanchett noted, so expect the project to show up in stores. The Santa Monica and Glendale locations are the likely places to watch in LA.
• Nightlife. LA’s reading series and open-mic nights are perfect places to test an essay out loud before you send it.

Our take (opinion)

This is the most thoughtful celebrity brand partnership of the week. Blanchett is not selling a T-shirt; she is opening a door for unknown writers. If Uniqlo follows through on mentorship and global reach, “Stories She Tells” could matter more than any campaign it shoots this year.

RelatedZuhair Murad x Aldo: Couture Codes at Mall Prices, and What to Buy First

Sources

• WWD, Oct. 29, 2026: Cate Blanchett and Uniqlo Launch “Stories She Tells” Literary Magazine
• Fashionsnap, Oct. 29, 2026 (Japanese): ユニクロが初の公募エッセイ誌を2027年に創刊へ
• Back to today’s roundup: What You Missed: Thursday, Oct 29

Photo: Headline screenshot of WWD’s report, Oct. 29, 2026, linked above.

Code Red: Halloween plans sorted. Code Red: Halloween ft. Don Woezik. Get tickets on Posh

Tips: Writing for “Stories She Tells”? Tell us about it: editor@nightlifereport.app

nightlifereport.app | Tips: editor@nightlifereport.app | 1049 Havenhurst Dr, Unit 67, West Hollywood, CA 90046

You might also like

NewsPandora Just Had Its Best Quarter in a While. Here’s What It Means for Your Holiday Jewelry BudgetFashionCharli xcx’s Afterparty Dress Came From Vinted, and Her Tour Closet Goes on SaleFashionArt Basel Miami 2026 After Dark: Where Fashion Meets the ClubFashionRunway Meets Dance Floor: The Fashion Afterparties of November 7 WeekendGuidesWho’s Who in New York: The Makers Behind the 53rd Village Halloween ParadeVideoWhy Thursday Is Jupiter’s Day: Dies Iovis and the Spiritual Forecast