€20 Uniform Stuns

In a historic win, Taobao Shangou, Alibaba's instant commerce and on-demand delivery service, has been awarded a top French Design Award prize for its €20 delivery worker uniform. This marks the first time the prize has been awarded for a design specifically created for frontline workers.

The uniform was developed with the assistance of Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group Holding. According to Yang Tao, the lead designer of the uniform, the idea for the design started with a discussion between the design team and Jack Ma last year.

The design team aimed to create a uniform that would bestow dignity on delivery drivers, who are considered an 'important profession' in China. As Yang Tao noted, other professions such as chefs and flight attendants have uniforms, so it was only fitting that delivery riders have a professional uniform as well.

The award was given on a Saturday, with Dario Olivero, the chair of the award's organising committee, praising the design. Olivero stated that the uniform design would help transform delivery workwear into a recognisable professional uniform, reshaping how society sees this essential profession.

## Why it matters The award is significant not only because it recognises the importance of design in frontline worker uniforms but also because it highlights the growing recognition of delivery drivers as a vital part of the workforce. With the rise of e-commerce and on-demand delivery services, delivery drivers have become an essential profession in many countries, including China.

The fact that a €20 uniform has received a top design prize also underscores the potential for affordable and functional design to make a positive impact on workers' lives. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more emphasis on designing uniforms and workwear that reflects the importance and dignity of frontline workers.