The Taobao Flash Sale City Knight uniform received the Gold Award at the 2026 French Design Award ceremony held in Paris on September 19. This marks the first time in the history of the competition that the top honor has been awarded to professional workwear designed for frontline service workers.
The uniform was developed under the guidance of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who was deeply involved in the design process. According to lead designer Yang Tao, Ma provided specific input on functional aspects, including the integration of emergency medical equipment and enhancements for night-time visibility and long-term riding comfort.
Dario Olivero, chairman of the French Design Award committee, highlighted the social significance of the project. He noted that the uniform provides delivery riders with a distinct professional identity and emphasizes the value of their contribution to urban services through a blend of design, art, and humanistic values.
