Pattern with purpose

The design marks our second collaboration with Evelina Kroon, following the 2022 series of colourful woollen blankets produced with traditional Swedish mill Klippan. For this year’s release, she has developed an exclusive piece that carries both artistic expression and humanitarian intent.

‘It’s a very tangible thing,’ says Evelina Kroon. ‘We all have some version of a blanket at home – it represents care, warmth and even home itself. In this case, it also carries a bigger meaning: a reminder of the reality of others, and a thought of solidarity in the comfort of our own homes.’

Born in 1987, Evelina Kroon is known for her distinctive aesthetic: bold, playful compositions structured within strict frameworks of grid-like patterns. Working across painting, interiors and colouration, she bridges the worlds of fine and decorative arts. Her practice draws on colour theory, craft tradition and impressions from nature and close surroundings – often highlighting the emotional and visual power of unexpected colour combinations.

For this special-edition design, she paired UNHCR’s signature blue with an earthy off-white sourced from a palette inspired by satellite images of landscapes where the organisation is active. A soft red, introduced by Evelina, brings a sense of warmth, compassion and quiet welcome.

Kroon’s work often balances expressiveness and restraint – graphic structure infused with emotion. Simple, practical and deeply symbolic, this collaboration speaks through material and meaning: a gesture of comfort, and a reminder that warmth can be shared.

For every blanket sold, ARKET donates the equivalent of two UNHCR thermal blankets, helping provide essential protection for displaced families. ‘The simplest items can make a world of difference,’ says Åsa Widell, National Director at Sverige för UNHCR. ‘Thermal blankets help families survive harsh conditions, stay safe in tents and maintain their dignity. Their one-size-fits-all design makes them an immediate and practical form of aid.’