The thing about graphic tees is that they are pieces that communicate—quite literally. A shirt becomes a blank canvas for whatever design or statement one wants to share. Ever since their rise in the 1970s, these printed shirts have adapted to people’s changing lifestyles and moods, but what has remained the same is their role as a form of self-expression—simple, accessible, and immediate.

That idea was seen in Uniqlo’s recent exhibit at One Ayala Mall in Makati City. Through “UT Graphic-T Universe,” the global clothing brand put its latest offerings on display, presenting shirts imbued with pop culture elements.

Its spring-summer 2026 UT collection brings forth a diverse lineup across manga, art, characters, movies, music, and more. The exhibit also marked a celebration of creativity, bringing together iconic visuals and cultural references that resonate across generations.

Headlining the exhibit was the Manga UT Shueisha 100th collection, celebrating publishing house Shueisha’s legacy with designs inspired by iconic titles from the “Weekly Shonen Jump” manga anthology and “Weekly Young Jump” manga magazine.

Adding an artistic touch to the exhibit was the MoMA Poster Art collection, with shirts adorned with exhibition posters from the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The NY Pop Art lineup, on the other hand, brought the iconic works of artists Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat to everyday tees.

The exhibit also featured the brand’s character collaborations, such as Molly from Pop Mart and the “Sweets Meow” series by Mofusand. Nostalgia was also present, with shirts showcasing characters from “Peanuts,” “Pokémon,” “Disney,” “Super Mario,” among others.

More than just fashion, graphic tees remain a reflection of identity and creativity—proof that even the simplest garments can tell stories, spark connections, and endure through time. While the exhibit has ended its run, fans can continue to check out UT’s latest lineup at Uniqlo stores and on its online platform.