The collection inspired by Japanese workwear includes a complete set of clothing for the entire staff of the Czech pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. In these outfits, it will be possible to meet hostesses, restaurant staff, and other staff working in the pavilion. The collection consists of a bomber jacket, shirt, T-shirt, trousers, and apron, complemented by a special silhouette of the Prestige x Jan sneaker and a scarf with the motif of René, the pavilion mascot. It is then colored according to its function – light sand is for hostesses and visitors’ guides (permanent exhibition), and blue is for the gastronomic operation.
“The theme of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 is Talent and Creativity for Life. I am very happy that we can collaborate with talented professionals from many areas, such as culture, design, art, F&B, or business, to promote the Czech Republic, who have a world reputation and help us present the Czech Republic more than 10,000 kilometers from home. One of such great talented people is Jan Černý, whom I would like to thank very much for the successful design of the uniforms that the staff of the Czech pavilion will wear every day,”comments directly from Osaka, Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 Ondřej Soška, adding: “Although I told Honza that I would like to follow up on the Olympic collection and Paris and create a similar stir with something extravagant, he did it his own way again. And I am happy that, the uniforms go perfectly with the Japanese environment, respect Japanese minimalism, and are very original at the same time. They also subtly combine the elements that we use for our presentation – the mascot René, the designation of Czech Republic and Bystrém were observed, and the linden leaf from our logo, which refers to our national symbols, cut glass and Japanese origami, cannot be missed,”
Jan Černý approached the design of the collection comprehensively and put together a set that will serve employees in various weather and temperatures that will change in Japan during the six-month EXPO. The entire collection is perfectly combinable, significantly different, and recognizable among other visitors, mainly thanks to its uniform color and large print. Czech Republic on the back.
Thanks to the main inspiration of the collection, which is a dialogue between iconic Czech overalls and Japanese workwear culture, the main material is cotton, which is treated with special enzymes during washing to make it light and comfortable. The Prestige x Jan sneakers made of cognac-colored leather have perforations on the inside of the shoe to ensure ventilation even in higher temperatures.
“During my research, where I was dealing with the Czech culture of dressing, I came across an interesting parallel between our and Japanese culture. I discovered how close our beloved and hated overalls are to Japanese workwear (fashion inspired by workwear, which is very much rooted in the clothing culture in Japan). So, I let these two styles of workwear communicate and speak in my designs. This resulted in these uniforms, which may be reminiscent of Otík’s overalls from the movie My Little Village, the Center. However, when we place them in the international environment of the Expo in Osaka, this reference suddenly disappears, and the workwear silhouettes of my collection take on a completely different meaning. And that is one of the factors that I really enjoy about fashion, how much a change of environment and circumstances can change the meaning of the clothing itself,” summarizes the main inspiration for the collection, founder and creative director of the Jan Société brand Jan Černý.
When examining the collection more closely, it is impossible to miss the embroidered decorations on the chest, which refer to the much-needed pockets on work clothes. Here, however, they are elevated to the status of decor by the fact that the pockets are only slightly embroidered in their silhouettes. The garment is not decorated with artificial ornaments, but with elements that naturally belong to it. On the back, you will find the signature Jan label on all clothing items and also a large inscription Czechia, so we will be recognizable around the Expo area even from a great distance.
The silhouettes are oversized, the same for women and men, and are unexpectedly minimalist compared to Jan’s previous collections. “There’s a reason for that – it’s the focus on muted colors and clean silhouettes that can set us apart from other pavilions, which often choose very distinctively colorful and patterned outfits. Moreover, the Japanese almost never wear patterns, they rely on minimalism and loose silhouettes, and that’s why this Jan Société collection could be a hit,” adds Jan Černý .
The uniform collection is washed and feels human, as if someone has worn them before. Another strong connection to inspiration can be seen in the design of the apron, which, thanks to the cutout at the bottom, resembles the iconic dungarees .
“I am happy that with this collection I can destroy the completely outdated ideas about hostesses at business events, where everyone immediately imagines a young lady in heels and a skimpy mini dress, standing there as a victim at a table for the attention of businessmen. The world really doesn’t work like that anymore, and I myself don’t accept that women should be presented in these inferior roles. At the same time, such an outfit would not only be inappropriate on a global scale, and especially in Japan, but it wouldn’t impress anyone either – the Japanese almost never wear tight clothes, they enjoy the freedom of oversized silhouettes and loose cuts. I think that thanks to the staff dressed in this way, we can also attract visitors and become a memorable pavilion,” adds Jan Černý.
In addition to the collection for the pavilion staff, Jan Černý also designed suits and costumes for the pavilion management. The Jan Société brand is also preparing for Osaka with its own presentation in the form of a conceptual fashion show.
About Jan Černý
Jan Černý is a Czech designer who creates contemporary men’s and genderless fashion with his brand Jan Société . He has already achieved great success at a young age. He completed an internship under the late designer Virgil Abloh at the Louis Vuitton atelier in Paris, was the creative director of the Czech brand Kara , was ranked in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, dressed celebrities such as Barbora Strýcová , Calin , Ben Cristovao and is part of the Czech young cultural scene that shapes the style of the younger generation.
In 2024, he designed the inaugural Olympic collection for Czech athletes, which was ranked among the three best collections in the world by Time magazine thanks to its modern aesthetics and innovative approach.
You can read more about the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, in our magazine : https://www.czechleaders.com/e-magazines/spring2025-issue/
