This Shirt Collection Celebrates Worldwide Peace for All Humanity
This is how UNIQLO’s PEACE FOR ALL T-shirt collection is transforming lives worldwide through a powerful collaboration with Magnum Photos, raising millions for global peace initiatives
Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of UNIQLO
October 8, 2024
Every gesture counts, especially for this Japanese casual wear brand that has been putting out all the stops in their environmental and humanitarian efforts for the world. UNIQLO is making a profound statement through its PEACE FOR ALL initiative—a simple yet impactful project that transcends borders and cultures. Recently, UNIQLO launched the PEACE FOR ALL Global Photo Exhibition in collaboration with Magnum Photos, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing mission to promote worldwide peace. Open to the public until September 29, the exhibition, held at the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store, beautifully showcases the real-world impact of this global initiative through the lens of three esteemed Magnum photographers.
The heart of the exhibition lies in over 63 photographs, captured by Cristina de Middel, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, and Olivia Arthur, who ventured to Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Romania. These images offer a glimpse into lives touched by the proceeds of the PEACE FOR ALL project, illustrating how seemingly simple T-shirts have become instruments of change. The stories told through their lenses are of joy, resilience, and hope, echoing the profound influence that peace can have on individuals and communities across the globe.
A Global Effort for Peace
Since its inception, the PEACE FOR ALL T-shirt project has raised over 1.5 billion yen (around USD 10 million), with every cent of profit being donated to three international humanitarian organizations: UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), Save the Children, and Plan International. These organizations work tirelessly to support communities facing challenges such as forced displacement, conflict, and natural disasters. The exhibition in Manila brings to life the journeys of those in Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Romania, offering a poignant reminder of the power of collective effort in fostering peace.
“UNIQLO LifeWear is designed not only to make everyone’s life better but also to extend a hand to those who need it most. The PEACE FOR ALL collaboration with Magnum Photos is a testament to this mission,” said Reichelle Vergara, UNIQLO Philippines Head of PR and Sustainability, during the exhibition launch.
The photographs invite viewers to connect with the very real stories of those who have benefitted from PEACE FOR ALL—from children joyfully expressing themselves in Vietnam, to families rebuilding their lives in Ethiopia. Through these images, Magnum photographers have created a visual narrative that encapsulates the spirit of humanity and the global yearning for peace.
UNIQLO_UNIQLO Philippines Head of PR and Sustainability Reichelle Vergara and UNHCR Head of National Office Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo
New Designs, Continued Impact
To mark this collaboration, UNIQLO has released three new PEACE FOR ALL T-shirt designs, available in stores and online as of September 20, 2024. These designs feature striking imagery from the exhibition, symbolizing the project’s global reach. Priced at Php 790, these shirts serve as a reminder that fashion can be a force for good.
For Cristina de Middel, capturing the imagination of children in Vietnam was a transformative experience. “Creativity is a powerful tool for change. Working with these children gave me hope for the future—it was both inspiring and fun,” she reflected. Fellow photographer Olivia Arthur echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of imagination in shaping a brighter tomorrow.
For Lindokuhle Sobekwa, the focus was on resilience. His work in Ethiopia, specifically with Somalian refugees, was a moving testament to the strength of the human spirit. “I wanted to play with metaphors of hope, symbolized by a rainbow, and show the promise of a better time to come,” he shared.
A Call to Action
As we walk through the exhibit, it’s clear that PEACE FOR ALL is more than a fashion statement—it’s a movement. Each T-shirt sold contributes to ongoing efforts to build a world where peace is not just an ideal, but a reality. By wearing a PEACE FOR ALL T-shirt, you’re not only embracing timeless style, but also standing in solidarity with those whose lives have been profoundly affected by conflict and adversity.
UNIQLO’s PEACE FOR ALL project reminds us that peace begins with us, and that through collective action, we can contribute to a world where peace reigns for all of humanity.
