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Alibaba's Taobao Shangou Delivery Uniform Wins French Design Award, a First for Frontline Worker Apparel

award · 2026-09-19

On Saturday, Taobao Shangou, Alibaba's on-demand delivery service, was honored with a prestigious French Design Award for its delivery worker uniform, a first for designs aimed at frontline workers. The uniform, priced at €20, was created with input from Alibaba Group Holding's founder, Jack Ma, as noted by lead designer Yang Tao. Yang revealed that the initiative started last year after discussions with Ma, inspired by the prominence of delivery riders in China. "Why don't riders have a professional uniform like chefs or flight attendants?" he remarked during the award ceremony. Dario Olivero, chair of the organizing committee, emphasized that this design elevates delivery workwear to a recognized professional standard, enhancing societal perceptions of this vital role.

Key facts

  • Taobao Shangou, Alibaba's instant commerce and on-demand delivery service, won a top French Design Award prize on Saturday.
  • The prize was awarded for the service's delivery worker uniform, the first time the award has gone to a design for frontline workers.
  • The uniform costs €20.
  • It was developed with the assistance of Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group Holding.
  • Yang Tao was the lead designer of the city rider suits.
  • The idea began with a discussion with Jack Ma last year.
  • Dario Olivero chairs the award's organizing committee.
  • Taobao Shangou was revamped last year.

Entities

Artists

  • Jack Ma
  • Yang Tao
  • Dario Olivero

Institutions

  • Alibaba Group Holding
  • Taobao Shangou
  • French Design Award

Locations

  • China
  • France

Sources