On the final day of Paris Fashion Week, the frenzied speculation about what will be remembered as the season’s biggest trend reached its pinnacle. But at the Pavillon Vendôme, located in one of Paris’ most chic squares, there was something rather refreshing going on.

“Rather than following fashion trends, Uniqlo's Lifewear is designed for everyone to enjoy wearing in their daily lives ”, reads a sign printed on a wall. The Japanese high-street sensation Uniqlo is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a five-day exhibition digging into the science that lies behind its clothes.

Uniqlo CEO and founder Tadashi Yanai, today ranked as the richest man in Japan by Forbes, launched his brand back in 1984. Today he presides over Uniqlo, as well as heading the Fast Retailing Group, which owns Uniqlo as well as other brands including Comptoir des Cotonniers and Helmut Lang.