Winter is right around the corner. It’s mid-October in NYC and we’re already seeing winter sports events happening around town. We held a special UNIQLO in-store event with an amazing guest, Emily Cook – a member of the US  Ski Team. Emily is a gold medal hopeful for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics. Emily showed up in fashion with her UNIQLO Heat Tech pieces. Emily’s hometown in Utah is already seeing snow with freezing temperatures but she received a warm and welcoming atmosphere with her dedicated fans, Wii game fans, and UNIQLO customers. Once the autograph session and Wii game competition went off, the store was quick to be heated.

The Emily Cook UNIQLO in store event was only announced 5 days ago but the event was well covered by many sites and blogs including Teen Vogue, BizBash, Fit Celeb, Daily Sun NY, Gaming Angels, Nintendo Wii, and others. Several media/press such as Nippon TV came to film the event.

Here’s our interview with the 1st place winner of the game competition, Steven DeSiena:

1) Thanks for coming to the event. How did you get out of the office today ?

I actually left work early today so I could make it to the event on time. Luckily, my boss didn’t question where I was going. I would have told her the truth: the virtual slopes were beckoning me.

2) Congrats on the 1st place! How was competing with Emily ?

Thank you! I’m a little disappointed that Emily let me win, but I enjoyed my brief moment in the sun.

3) Do you do any winter sports ?  If yes, what ?

Unless you count ‘falling’ as a sport, then no. I went snowboarding a few times when I was younger, but that always ended in tragedy. And there aren’t too many great snow resorts in New York City.

4)  What is your winter fashion plan this year ?

Whenever I head to Soho, Uniqlo is my first stop. I’m not even just saying that! I plan on going back soon to pick up more Heat Tech stuff and a coat from their J+ brand.

5) How’s your gaming life ?

I only have a Wii and I unfortunately don’t have time to play it since I’m too busy fielding interview requests all the time.

6) Any words to Emily ? and to Uniqlo ?

Good luck to Emily and the rest of the US Ski Team in Vancouver! And to Uniqlo: I love you.

Additional plug:

Chris Scott, one of the organizers for the gaming portion of event comments,

“It was fun, she’s really nice and shes a quick learner. I actually showed her how to play and she felt more confident playing later. I wouldn’t expect any less from an athlete. I should have asked Emily to teach me how to ski ;D I would love to learn to snowboard this winter. Is there any Heat Tech fashion for Snowboard?”

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Photo: Matthew Mann

Announcement: http://www.newyork-tokyo.com/wp/uniqlo