Under the agreement announced today (17 March), she will be involved in all aspects of the design and making of the Uniqlo line - and will also work on a special Uniqlo collection.

Uniqlo products that have been created in cooperation with Sander will be available worldwide from this autumn.

The designer is best known for her minimalist tailoring using luxury materials - an approach that complements Uniqlo's low-priced "fashion basics".

"We are convinced that this natural affinity and the future creativity cultivated jointly by Uniqlo and Jil Sander will give way to considerable benefits and will greatly enhance Uniqlo products and promote even higher quality garments," the company said in a statement.

The appointment of Sander, whose eponymous fashion label was bought last year by Japan's Onward Holdings Corp, will help broaden Uniqlo's appeal.

The chain has so far managed to buck the slowdown in its domestic market, most recently posting a 4.2% rise in February same-store sales.

Uniqlo Japan, which has 765 stores including franchise outlets, accounts for around 80% of Fast Retailing's revenues.

But the chain has also expanded into China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the US, UK and France where it operates a total of 73 stores.

The strategy of teaming up with big-name designers has already proved popular at Uniqlo's rivals.

H&M most recently teamed up with Matthew Williamson and Comme des Garçons designer Rei Kawakubo on special collaborations.