When creating our designs for the OrtaBlu for Unicef mission, we first began compiling imagery from Sierra Leone that we felt is representative of the country and its people. Together we decided the most exciting way to develop designs of childrens’ uniforms was to interpret the traits of a playful bird found in the Sierra Leone borders. The White-Necked Picathartes is a black, yellow, and white bird whose unique markings inspired us to use color blocking as an element of design. Although we wanted to express the theme of color blocking, we did not want to employ other materials besides the provided Alchemy One denim swatch. By using both sides of the denim, one side lighter and one darker, we fashioned the unique look we imagined the uniforms to have while keeping them cohesive.
The first set of uniforms includes a wrap dress for the girls that has a hidden button on the right side to keep the skirt secure and ensure modesty. The position of the button can be adjusted to accommodate changes in dress size. It has cap sleeves to emulate the angular design of the color blocking. This dress will be easy for the girls to put on every morning and is extremely practical for different body types and growth. The matching look for the boys shows the shirt with an angular piecing of the denim. Because the shirt is designed to be in separate pieces, it will allow for the neckline to go down to the chest, rather than button down all the way, which means less buttons and button holes to consider. The pants for the first boys look have large cargo pockets that are practical for carrying personal objects. The second set of designs also demonstrates the color blocking look. The second design for the girls is a slip-on dress with a mock-apron. This dress buttons open at the shoulder seams so that it will not be difficult to put on. Again, the buttons can be adjusted for growth. Each of the girls’ uniforms has inside pockets for practical use. The second look for the boys shows the collared shirt with a front and back yoke to emphasize the color blocking theme. This again allows for the shirt to not button all the way and end at the chest. The paired shorts carry on the angular design element with a large inside pocket. Both sets of shorts for the boys have small elastic insets in the waistband to account for change in size. Each set of uniforms was designed with the intention to not only be comfortable and durable but also playful and cohesive. Children represent the future of a country; therefore it only seemed appropriate to design beautiful garments accentuating the qualities of the land embodied by Sierra Leone’s children.