In a first, top European design prize awarded to €20 uniform for China’s delivery drivers

Taobao Instant Commerce, Alibaba’s on-demand delivery service that was revamped last year and is known as Taobao Shangou in Chinese, won a top French Design Award prize on Saturday for its delivery worker uniform, marking the first time the prize was awarded for a design for frontline workers.

“We think the [Taobao Shangou] suit design would transform delivery workwear into a recognisable professional uniform, helping reshape how society sees this essential profession,” said Dario Olivero, chair of the award’s organising committee.

For the team that designed the uniform, the idea started with a discussion they had last year with Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group Holding, said Yang Tao, the lead designer of the city rider suits.

“Delivery riders … have become an important profession in China. Chefs wear uniforms, flight attendants wear uniforms – so why wasn’t there a professional uniform designed specifically for riders?” Yang said while accepting the award.