Commemorating the U.N.’s Anniversary With Hand-Printed Scarves

To mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter, students from FIT’s Textile/Surface Design program created a collection of hand screenprinted scarves that explore themes of peace, unity, sustainability, and global cooperation that are now on display in the Feldman Center Lobby through February 22. In December, they were on display in the lobby of the U.N.’s Albano Building.

Under the guidance of Susanne Goetz, professor and chair of Textile/Surface Design, 22 students developed original scarf designs interpreting the U.N.’s mission and legacy eight decades after its founding. Each scarf was conceptualized through research and produced using traditional hand screen-printing techniques. As Goetz explains, “The focus here is really to go beyond seeing scarves as just a decorative accessory, but really as a powerful medium for self-expression, cultural identity, and social commentary.”

Toby Wyman, “Pigeons of Peace”: Inspired by DNA structures and New York City pigeons as symbols of connection, unity, and the idea that peace is “written in our DNA.”

Lesly Lozano, “Messages From Abroad”: Inspired by UN postage stamps and mid-century design, symbolizing communication, unity, and peace.

Maguy Berry, “Stronger Together”: Inspired by weaving world maps and the U.N. Charter to symbolize interconnectedness and the power of unity.

Hazel Choi, “A Legacy of Peace”: Inspired by humanity’s shared heritage and the ongoing tension between war and peace, symbolized through universal imagery.

Julia Plante, “Behind Closed Doors”: Inspired by the need to raise awareness of domestic violence and the importance of education and conversation in prevention.

Nana Osako, “Threads of Vow”: Inspired by the UN Charter rendered as 80 lines in multiple languages, symbolizing unity through dialogue and linguistic “threads.”

Maliha Ayaz, “Lodestar”: Inspired by the North Star as a metaphor for the UN guiding nations toward peace, featuring constellations and a central ship.

The project culminated in a virtual student presentation on December 11 as an event for Globally Connected @ FIT, a series of 45-minute virtual discussions led by students, faculty, and alumni hosted by the Office of International Programs, History of Art, and the Cultural Fellows that seek to advance global education at FIT. During the talk, Commemorating the United Nations at 80 (access archive video of the event at the link), students gave insights into their creative processes and inspirations. For example, student Toby Wyman shared how her design was inspired by pigeons—also known as rock doves—and human DNA, symbolizing connection and unity. To create a repeating texture, Wyman glued grains of rice to cans, which she rolled across the fabric during the printing process. Throughout the presentation, students discussed their inspirations and the hands-on techniques used to develop their scarf patterns.

The exhibition highlights FIT’s commitment to experiential learning and global engagement, demonstrating how textile design can serve as a powerful tool for cultural dialogue and reflection on international issues.

This exhibition is the result of a collaboration between FIT and the United Nations, including the U.N. Documentation Division (DD), the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM), United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), and the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC).