From the Stadium to the Studio

How one memory became a wearable art interpretation.

Journal • Design Inspiration • July 2026

Every UniTies creation begins with a story.

Some stories begin with a sketch.

Others begin years before the first line is ever drawn.

Sixteen years ago, UniTies founder and designer Michal Zaguri Lavi attended the official international match between Argentina and Spain in Buenos Aires, shortly after Spain's historic World Cup victory.

At the time, it was simply an unforgettable experience.

Years later, that memory unexpectedly returned - not as a football story, but as the beginning of a new design interpretation.

Rather than recreating flags or sporting symbols, the project explored a different question:

How can the identity of a nation be translated into wearable art?

Using UniTies' sculptural language of folded metal, two original pieces were created as artistic interpretations of Spain and Argentina.

Not representations.

Interpretations.

Because at UniTies, inspiration isn't about reproducing what we see.

It is about translating stories, emotions and culture into wearable art.

While this project was taking shape, another unexpected moment completed the circle.

During the FIFA World Cup Final broadcast, one of KAN 11's presenters appeared wearing a UniTies piece.

It wasn't planned.

It wasn't part of the project.

It simply became another reminder that wearable art continues its journey long after it leaves the studio.

"Sometimes, the most meaningful design stories don't end in the studio. They continue in the moments people choose to wear them."

Written by Michal Zaguri Lavi
Founder & Creative Director, UniTies