At the Belgian Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka every detail matters, even the uniforms worn by the team. Designed by Belgian creative visionary Jean-Paul Lespagnard, the pavilion’s attire is much more than functional clothing; it is a thoughtful expression of craftsmanship, culture, and identity.
Materials That Matter
The full silhouette is crafted from 100% high-quality cotton, chosen for durability, comfort, and ease of care. Belgian-produced checkered fabrics form the core, while the elegant scarf is made from Italian crepe de soie, printed in Como and finished in Binche. Trousers and skirts are created in Lisbon, Portugal, and T-shirts are supplied and finalized in Brussels, reflecting a network of European expertise.
Inspiration and Design
Lespagnard’s design bridges continents and traditions. The scarf features motifs blending Japanese and Belgian ceramics, with subtle white zones evoking diversity and textures that capture the spirit of Kintsugi (the Japanese art of mending broken pottery). This is an extension of the scenography of the pavilion, in which Kintsugi is ubiquitous. The uniform itself is modular and adaptable, composed of trousers, a skirt, two T-shirts, and the scarf, allowing each team member to express their personality while maintaining a recognizable pavilion identity.
The silhouette draws from contemporary fashion, school uniforms, traditional Japanese garments, and Lespagnard’s signature layered, portable style. A visual guide shows multiple ways to wear the pieces, celebrating individuality within a collective identity. Inspiration also came from the mosaics of Gaudí in Barcelona, where the interplay of white and colorful patterns influenced the scarf’s graphics and the harmonious mix of patterns in the silhouette.
About the Designer
Jean-Paul Lespagnard is a Belgian designer, artistic director, and entrepreneur renowned for his inventive approach and love of craftsmanship. His career began internationally in 2008 after winning the Hyères International Festival of Fashion and Photography, earning both the Public Prize and the 1.2.3 Award. He has since collaborated with leading performing artists such as Jan Fabre, Damien Jalet, Gilles Jobin, and Meg Stuart, designing costumes for stage, film, and virtual reality.
Lespagnard’s work spans fashion collections, exhibitions, and experimental presentations like his itinerant boutique “Escale.” His designs combine creativity, accessibility, and thoughtful storytelling, qualities perfectly reflected in the Belgian Pavilion uniform.
Through this uniform, the Belgian Pavilion not only presents a cohesive and elegant team image but also celebrates craftsmanship, cultural fusion, and the joy of individual expression.
Explore more about Jean-Paul Lespagnard at jeanpaullespagnard.com.
© J. Van Belle - WBI