In solidarity with refugees: 8 embroidery designs, one message of hope
- Wessam Matouk
- Jan 3
- 5 min read
Join UNIQLO in solidarity with people forced to flee this World Refugee Day. From June 20th, 21 RE.UNIQLO STUDIOS across Europe will offer exclusive embroidery designs in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
As part of this initiative, UNIQLO is contributing 10,000 € to support UNHCR’s work for more than 122 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Fast Retailing, UNIQLO’s holding company, began its partnership with UNHCR in 2006.
Discover 8 new and unique embroidery designs, available across our European RE.UNIQLO STUDIOS from June 20th until the end of 2025. Created in collaboration with Amsterdam-based geometric artist and designer Wessam Matouk, the pieces draw on themes of hope, resilience, and solidarity with refugees.
While known for his monochrome, precision-based style, Wessam takes a more expressive approach in this special collection, translating refugee stories into bold, symbolic motifs. His inspiration for the collection began in April 2025 during a UNHCR-led workshop at an asylum centre in the Netherlands. Having experienced forced displacement himself, Wessam connected with the refugees and asylum seekers he met and drew from their shared experiences, stories, and hopes for a better future.
Tell us about your background and how you found your passion for graphic design.
I am originally from Aleppo, Syria, a city rich in history, architecture, and culture. Before the war, I obtained a degree in geology, which may seem far from art, but it taught me to see structure, beauty, and meaning in the natural world. I became fascinated by the geometry of landscapes and minerals, which later translated into my creative work. When the war broke out, everything changed. Like many others, I had to leave, thinking it would only be for a short time. This short period is now 14 years. I arrived in the Netherlands nearly ten years ago, starting over in a completely new place with a different language and culture. At first, I was just trying to adapt. But during that period of uncertainty, I found myself turning more and more to creative expression as it was a hobby during my free time back in the day. It started as a way to reconnect with something that felt stable and familiar.
I began experimenting with geometric art, drawing from both my cultural roots and my scientific background. The patterns, precision, and earthy tones all helped me feel grounded. After about a year of creating and self-learning, I realised this wasn't just a hobby. It was my passion. Since 2017, I decided to pursue it professionally as a business, building a portfolio and putting my work out there, and it worked.
Since then, this has led to more than 22 exhibitions (so far), artworks that have found new places across the EU to Mexico, collaborations, and being featured in institutions like the Stedelijk Museum. Today, I continue creating geometric art and design professionally while pursuing a new bachelor's degree in international finance and control in Amsterdam. The blend of creativity and structure - art and finance - has become part of who I am.
What inspired you to collaborate with UNHCR and UNIQLO on this embroidery collection?
When UNHCR and UNIQLO invited me to participate in the embroidery collection, I didn't hesitate. It felt like the perfect opportunity to contribute to something bigger - something deeply personal. I understand what it means to leave everything behind, navigate unfamiliar systems, and rebuild from scratch. That experience stays with you, but it also gives you strength.
For me, this collaboration, created by UNHCR and UNIQLO for World Refugee Day, wasn't just about design. It was about giving voice to people who are often only seen through statistics or headlines. It was about showing that refugees are not defined by their circumstances; we are individuals with stories, skills, dreams, and talents. This project felt full circle - going from receiving support to now creating something that could support others in spirit and visibility.
Partnering with UNIQLO also brought another powerful element: visibility. Fashion reaches everyone. By weaving refugees’ stories and experiences into embroidery designs on clothing, we can share these messages with new audiences in a subtle yet powerful way. People wear these designs, and in doing so, they carry a message of strength, resilience, and solidarity.
How did you find the inspiration for this collection?
Designing this collection was one of the most emotional and inspiring experiences I've had as an artist. Before I began sketching, I joined a workshop organised by UNHCR at an asylum centre in the Netherlands. I sat down with other refugees and asylum seekers, people who, like me, had been displaced and are now trying to rebuild. We spoke, shared stories, and drew together. I asked them: "What does hope look like to you? What images remind you of home? What does the future feel like?"
Their responses were so full of life and emotion. One person drew a rose and said it reminded him of the garden he used to care for in his hometown. Others drew birds, suns, open doors, or houses. And it wasn't just about the visuals; there were incredible quotes, too. I remember one clearly: "Never, ever give up." That stuck with me.
All of this energy became the foundation for my designs. I created 10 designs that explore themes like freedom, unity, hope, resilience, and starting over. I stayed true to my geometric style, blending sharp lines and soft curves to reflect the complexity of refugee experiences. Life as a refugee isn't one thing; it's filled with pain, beauty, loss, and growth. I wanted the designs to carry that truth. In the end, this collection became more than just an artistic project; it became a tribute to people who carry their stories with pride, who keep creating even after losing everything, and who find ways to hope again.
The 8 Designs
Design 01
Solidarity with Refugees ribbon
This design represents structure, support, and protection, echoing the role of UNHCR as a steady foundation in moments of uncertainty.
Design 02
Sun
This design represents new beginnings and hope. Just like the sun rising after a long night, reminding us that better days are always possible.
Design 03
Earth and Heart
This design reflects the idea that no matter where we come from, we all belong to one heart and one world, united by compassion and shared humanity.
Design 04
Rose
This design represents resilience. Growing strong and beautiful from even the roughest, most broken ground.
Design 05
Dove
This design symbolises peace and freedom, and the courage to fly forward while carrying hope and harmony wherever we go.
Design 06
With Refugees
This design symbolises peace and freedom, and the courage to fly forward while carrying hope and harmony wherever we go.
Design 07
Holding Hands
This design represents unity and mutual support. Different hands coming together in strength, solidarity, and shared humanity.
Design 08
Paper Boat
This design reflects the journey of migration. Fragile yet determined, like a paper boat carrying dreams across uncertain waters.
Give new life to your favourite UNIQLO items, old or new, and show solidarity with refugees and displaced people across the world. Find your nearest RE.UNIQLO STUDIO here. Prices start at 10€.
Fast Retailing, UNIQLO's holding company, began its partnership with UNHCR in 2006 with its first clothing donation for refugee families in 2007. Since the Global Partnership Agreement was signed in 2011, the partnership has grown both in scope and scale. Our four-pronged refugee support approach comprises emergency aid, clothing support, self-reliance, and employment. Through our RE.UNIQLO programme, 58.97 million items have been donated to refugees and others as emergency aid and clothing support.
Additionally, Fast Retailing has donated approximately $25 million towards UNHCR’s programmes. Our self-reliance programs have played an important role in helping refugees forge more independent lives. Our employment activities include hiring refugees in UNIQLO stores in Japan, the USA, and Europe, and providing training to facilitate stable, long-term employment. Through these efforts and awareness campaigns such as PEACE FOR ALL and Heart of LifeWear, Fast Retailing continuously rises to the challenge of protecting and supporting people forced to flee, particularly now that there are more than 122 million forcibly displaced people globally.