3 April 2025

Wearing Austria: Expo 2025 Uniforms Fuse Street Style, High Fashion, and Landmark-Inspired Prints

Austrian Pavilion Staff Uniforms for Expo 2025 Osaka Unveiled
The workwear for the staff of the Austrian Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka was officially presented this week in a press release. Designed by the Vienna-based fashion label WENDY JIM, the uniforms combine elements of high fashion and streetwear while incorporating references to Austrian landmarks.

Austria's Contribution to Expo 2025
Austria will participate in Expo 2025, which takes place in Osaka, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, under the theme Composing the Future. The pavilion will showcase Austria's longstanding connections with Japan and its contributions to innovation and sustainability.
Fashion.at previously reported on the departure of Austrian design and craft objects from Vienna to Osaka, including works by glass manufacturer Lobmeyr and artist Eva Petric. Their project references the work of Felice Rix-Ueno, an Austrian designer who played a significant role in Japan's design history (article).

Corporate Wear Concept and Design
The Austrian Pavilion in Osaka, designed by BWM Designers & Architects, takes inspiration from this year's Expo theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives. The pavilion features a spiral musical score sculpture made of wood, reflecting Austria's cultural heritage under the motto Austria. Composing the Future. The architectural concept reflecting Austria's status as a nation of culture and music was incorporated into the design of the staff uniforms.
The corporate wear was selected through a design competition organized by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Austrian Fashion Association. WENDY JIM, founded in 1997 by Helga Schania and Hermann Fankhauser during their studies with Helmut Lang at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, created a collection that aligns with the pavilion's modern aesthetic while ensuring comfort and functionality. The workwear was produced using sustainable materials, including stock fabrics, organic cotton, and recycled textiles. Manufacturing took place in Austria, Bulgaria, and Poland, adhering to environmentally responsible production standards.
The collection includes a variety of garments tailored for different occasions, such as wide trousers, T-shirts, shirts, blazers, dresses, bags, belts, and caps. The designs were created to accommodate daily duties as well as formal events, such as official delegation visits.

References to Austrian Landmarks
A notable design feature is the incorporation of Austrian cultural references. T-shirts in the collection are printed with images of well-known locations, including Schönbrunn Palace and the Großglockner. These visual elements integrate Austrian identity into the uniforms while maintaining a contemporary design approach.


Images, from left: Close-up details of the Austrian Pavilion staff uniforms for Expo 2025 in Osaka, featuring the national colors—red, white, and red—alongside a design inspired by the pavilion's spiral musical score sculpture, created by BWM Designers & Architects. Center: A complete uniform ensemble, consisting of a blazer, white shirt, cap, and trousers. Right: A top adorned with a print depicting one of Austria's iconic landmarks—the Great Gallery in Schloss Schönbrunn.
The official presentation of the uniforms was documented in a photoshoot at the Museum of Applied Arts Vienna (MAK). The images show models Hanna and Jonny from Stella Models wearing the collection. The styling reflects the blend of streetwear and high fashion, with a focus on modern tailoring and Austrian design influences.
Photos: Corporate Wear Austria by Wendy&Jim by ExpoAustria. © Expo Austria, Mato Johannik, MAK.

Credits:
Fashion and Styling: WENDY JIM, Helga Schania and Hermann Fankhauser
Photography: Mato Johannik
Hair and Makeup: Sabine Reiter
Models: Hanna and Jonny, Stella Models
Location: MAK – Museum of Applied Arts Vienna
Production: Austrian Fashion Association