Switzerland's Passport Has Been Revamped With A Design-Centric Approach
The new look, created by RETINAA, takes cues from the nation's unique geographical characteristics and its rich cartographic heritage.
Words by Foli Creppy | 2 Minute Read
ROBIN BUCHER
Let's talk passports. Yes, I know…It’s not exactly the first thing that pops into one’s head when you think streetwear, but hear me out. Fashion and travel go hand in hand and our passports are our ultimate travel flex, right? They're our ticket to seeing the world, soaking up different cultures, and of course, checking out those global streetwear scenes. So when I saw what the Swiss Federal Office of Police were cooking up for the country’s new passport design, I had to check out what they were making.
Back in Fall '22, the Swiss Federal Office of Police tapped Geneva-based studio RETINAA to give their national ID a much needed visual upgrade. Partnering with Thales and Orell Füssli, these guys went above and beyond to deliver a unique and futuristic passport that would be the envy of the world. RETINAA went deep, using dynamic UV-sensitive designs inspired by Switzerland's natural beauty to bring each page to life.
ROBIN BUCHER
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ROBIN BUCHER
The clean, primary red cover gives off the impression of a minimalist vibe but once you open the passport you each cm of space us used. Every bit of negative space is filled with these abstract, technicolor watermarks and geometric patterns, which all play off the idea of cartographic illustrations.
The ID page, for example, is centered around this shot of the Pizzo Rotondo summit, which is already great in its own right, however once you shine a UV light on it you surprised with a set of curvilinear topographical lines that seem to pop off the page. It's a hidden and eye-catching layer of detail. Then there is a two-page spread that includes a aerial map of the Swiss Alps, the Alps crosses in the center of each page, and when a UV light is placed on it the light exposes more architectural landmarks and topographic lines.
ROBIN BUCHER
Under a UV light, a network of isolines physically and symbolically safeguard the holder’s data
– RETINAA via Instagram
RETINAA took to Instagram to break down their work, mentioning that because this thing holds the owners biometrics, security was the company’s top priority and one of the most technically demanding parts of the project. It was mentioned during this Instagram that RETINAA really nailed this project. They successfully blended art, technology, and a deep appreciation for Switzerland's landscape. It makes you think about what the design of our everyday objects could look like if we put this kind of thought and creativity into them. With that being said, the next time you're flipping through your passport, take a second to appreciate the design.
Passport Detail
Publisher: Federal Office of Police (fedpol)
General Contractor: Thales DIS Schweiz AG
Printing: Orell füssli Ltd. Security Printing
Photography: Robin Bucher
Learn More: Retinaa
Foli Creppy
Style Editor, Frasspot
Foli Creppy is the style editor for Frasspot. He oversees fashion and lifestyle content across Frasspot and has contributed as a style editor since December 2022.
Apr 10, 2025
Source: RETINAA.CH
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