Welcoming a liberalized economy and relative peace, Sierra Leone now enjoys a boost in socio-economic opportunities; at least in theory that is. Despite recent changes within the country’s regime, a poor financial support hinders education, a key determinant of progress and a nation’s well-being. In an effort to alleviate the situation by offering my two cents, I have done my best to provide Orta Blu for Unicef with functional-chic designs for school uniforms. Student will not only look sharp, but most importantly, will allow them to exert the unconditional right for basic education.
My prime concern was of course, the smart use of the fabric, challenging design to not only exemplify the student by means of a uniform but to withstand the environmental and social challenges of the circumstance. To achieve this objective, I took three basic principles into consideration:

Less is more: When cost is an issue (at less than ten dollars per uniform), with the least amount of fabric, uniforms should achieve the greatest return possible

Design reflects Context: Designs should attest to the conditions they are subject to. These include climate, physical setting, moral/religious beliefs, and resources available.

Function leads fashion: As much as we love the catwalk, aesthetics take the back seat and are only pertinent when function allows them to be.

Keeping these basic principles at the top of my head, I designed two sets of uniforms (2 for boys and 2 for girls). Although designs diverge aesthetically, I tried to keep functionality equivalent:
The first feature I incorporated into these are two bands of piping, creating graceful and modern contours throughout; making the overall look flowy, unifying, and organic. Having envisioned the uniforms of the color blue (paying homage to classic denim and the UNICEF logo), piping would be of a reflective white (or gray) and green. As if it’s not obvious enough, these colors mimic Sierra Leone’s flag, bearing with it the same symbolic pertinence. For functional purposes, the reflective piping serves as a security measure, protecting children from motored vehicles or other hazards during nighttime. The piping’s reflective qualities can also serve to locate children more efficiently when dark.
Secondly, both designs include a panel of extra fabric (preferably, wax coated) for miscellaneous purposes. On the first set of designs, this panel is hoodie-shaped and features openings to which buttons, at the rear of the collar, can be buttoned. This detachable hood serves for protection against the rain during their “wet season”, preventing any related illnesses or infections. Additionally, this piece of fabric can be wrapped around any injury to cease bleeding or prevent contamination in case a given student suffers an incident to or from school. On the second set of designs, This fabric comes in the silhouette of a “sailor’s scarf (reminiscent of Japanese school uniforms), which, given its large size, can be occupied as a protective tent in case of rain and may also be used to cover up injuries.
Very important as well is the factor of durability. Children (especially at that age) grow rapidly, and consequently uniforms have to be design relatively open with expandable or elastic closures to conform to the children’s measurements. For such reason, all openings within the uniform such as necklines, sleeves, shorts and skirts are wide; which in turn helps lighten the tropical heat by allowing gusts of breeze to seep in. Waistbands are elastic from the sides, tolerating extra inches of growth.
Other features include a large foldable collar that pops up to protect the back neck from harmful sunrays, plenty of all-purpose pockets of different sizes to hold, store and transport objects, and all-button closures to ensure easy repair should it need it.
Designs are sober and conservative (to conform as best as possible to moral standards and religious beliefs) yet modern and exciting (inspired by contemporary runways), achieving the optimal balance between style and courtesy. Within our budget and functional confines, I aspired to create a collection of uniforms that would almost conceal all limitations and restrains, by marrying details of classic uniform design with a modern yet timeless cut. For money purposes, aesthetic emphasis was geared towards the beauty of silhouette as opposed to the over-elaboration of technique (such as unnecessary pleats or tucks).
Despite constrains and complications, it is pertinent that no child is left behind when it comes to education. I am genuinely proud to serve this cause doing what I do best, in hopes of gearing young students towards success.