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Since November 1952 well-trained and well-dressed tour guides have conducted visitors through the magnificent United Nations headquarters, which were designed by an international cadre of designers—an extension of its mission to promote international peace and understanding. Over the past 73 years these guides, known as United Nations Ambassadors to the Public, have been dressed by talents American, French (courtesy of Thibaut Bouet of Christian Dior), and Italian (through Benetton). Last night, to coincide with Earth Day, the guides’ new kit, designed by 20 pupils at the Swedish School of Textiles, was revealed. It was a history-making moment in that it was the first time students were tapped as designers.
The project started with a call to Sofia Hedström de Leo, former head of sustainability at the Swedish consulate and an advisory board member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network. “The UN wanted me to pick a partner that could deliver a collection tied to the SDGs [sustainability goals]. They also wanted to involve a younger designer. I decided to pick the Swedish School of Textiles based on their history with sustainability; I thought a school would be an interesting option,” she said. “For me, it was important to pick a Swedish partner… For me, it is a way to talk about sustainability through a clothing collection, a way to position Sweden.”
Working closely with SST professors Susanne Nejderås, who was the project manager, and Karin Landahl and artistic directors Stephanie Malmgren de Oliveira, the 20 students who took on this task in addition to their coursework, visited Backåkra, Sweden, where Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, had his summer house. The trip produced the patterns that appear on silk scarves and the choice of gray for the suiting.
“We wanted to go lighter because they had dark suits for a very long time and we wanted to insert some hope; and then we selected the blues from the sky,” explained de Oliveira. Asymmetric collars and the V-cut of the neckline are references to architectural elements found at the United Nations itself. The uniforms are made of deadstock fabric (Italian wool for the suits), and were manufactured in the EU with the help of Swedish businesses. The side-buttoning, stand-collar T-shirts were produced in Borås, where the university is located.
The world is constantly changing, and as it does, so do the ways in which we interact with it. With the rise of technology and globalization, our lives have become more interconnected than ever before. This has led to an increase in the sharing of information, ideas, and cultures across borders, creating a more diverse and interconnected global community.
One of the most significant changes brought about by this interconnectedness is the way in which we communicate. In the past, communication was limited to face-to-face interactions or written correspondence. However, with the advent of the internet and social media, we can now communicate with people from all over the world in an instant. This has not only made it easier to stay in touch with friends and family, but has also opened up new avenues for collaboration, networking, and learning.
Another major impact of globalization is the way in which we consume information and media. With the proliferation of online news outlets, blogs, and social media platforms, we are now able to access a wealth of information at our fingertips. This has democratized the spread of information, allowing individuals to stay informed and engaged with global events in real-time.
Globalization has also had a significant impact on the economy. Companies are now able to operate on a global scale, tapping into new markets and reaching a wider audience than ever before. This has led to increased competition, but also to new opportunities for growth and innovation. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has made it easier for consumers to purchase products from around the world, further blurring the lines between local and global markets.
However, globalization is not without its challenges. As the world becomes more interconnected, issues such as climate change, inequality, and political instability have become more complex and global in nature. These challenges require global cooperation and coordination in order to find sustainable solutions that benefit all people and the planet.
In conclusion, globalization has fundamentally changed the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. While it has brought about many positive changes, it has also presented new challenges that require us to work together as a global community. By embracing the opportunities that globalization presents and addressing its challenges head-on, we can create a more interconnected, inclusive, and sustainable world for future generations.
