The fifth Switzerland in two stamps

Last summer 2023, I've been approached by the Swiss post, for a competition brief to design the new Pro Patria stamps 2024.

The brief: representing the Fifth Switzerland, the Swiss abroad.

Stamp CHF 1.20 + 0.60
Sense of Belonging

I've designed a modern Helvetia, with the symbols of the cities of the world behind it, a crown of edelweiss on its head and a black heart which, with some warm touch, becomes a white cross on a red background.
An Helvetia who travels around the world, but always carries her country in her heart. I wanted people to be involved in a mini-experience to remember what Switzerland is for the Swiss abroad. For this reason I designed a thermo-reactive stamp that when touched reveals the Swiss flag beneath the black heart of Helvetia. It was exciting to see how Pro Patria and Swiss Post accepted my crazy idea.

Stamp CHF 1.00 + 0.50
Cultural connections

In this second stamp, I wanted to say that wherever we are, we draw strength from our homeland and that in moments of discouragement we like to feel connected. I symbolically represented the citizens of the four Swiss cantons who are eating a fondue in Switzerland and the hand of the Swiss abroad who join this typical social moment. This is to underline the sense of belonging of the Fifth Switzerland. The fondue burner, with the heat of your fingers, reveals the Swiss flag.

You can buy the stamps in the Swiss Post shop

Interview with Corriere del Ticino

Interview with Pro Patria