A special commission from the British Red Cross
Earlier this year, the British Red Cross contacted Oshana to enquire about a commission. As part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the British Red Cross is committed to supporting people in crisis in the UK and around the world. Their offer of support covers three main humanitarian areas – helping communities prepare for and respond to crises, supporting displaced people at every stage of their journey and working alongside the NHS to provide health and social care services.
They had come across the incredible embroidery skills of our artisans, and asked if we could help them with a unique, bespoke commission to embroider a Red Cross Vest. The Red Cross Vest is worn by Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners in the field. It symbolises protection and neutrality under International Humanitarian law so that it’s made clear that anyone wearing the Vest isn’t part of any conflict, they’re simply there to help anyone who needs it.
Working together with the lovely British Red Cross team, we created a piece that reflected the impact of the Movement’s reach while also embedding the cultures and traditions of some of the regions where locally embedded staff and volunteers work.
This is a typical vest worn by Red Cross Red Crescent teams responding to crises around the world. The Red Cross Red Crescent emblem is a symbol of neutrality and protection during armed conflicts, and its use is restricted by law. The British Red Cross and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence have authorised the use of the emblem in this print.
We love commissions like these at Oshana, they are a chance to both showcase our artisans’ brilliant talent, and work with other likeminded organisations that we hugely respect. Once the vest’s embroidery had been painstakingly designed by our team, the vest was sent to Lebanon and the design was brought to life by Amena, whose attention to detail is unrivalled! Amena created a beautiful work of art with her needle, which was gladly received by the British Red Cross.
This is a typical vest worn by Red Cross Red Crescent teams responding to crises around the world. The Red Cross Red Crescent emblem is a symbol of neutrality and protection during armed conflicts, and its use is restricted by law. The British Red Cross and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence have authorised the use of the emblem in this print.
Working on this commission was a real privilege, and one that our team hugely enjoyed. The team at the British Red Cross felt the same, kindly telling us that ‘we couldn’t have been happier with the outcome and we’re so in awe of the brilliant group of women who were the skilful hands behind this piece.’
If you would like to discuss a potential commission, please email us at team@makani.org.uk
