Matias Belete (Class of 2020) is building more than a brand—he’s shaping a movement. As the Founder and Creative Director of Foreign Resource, a global clothing and accessories label, Matias embodies global-mindedness, creativity, and risk-taking. With roots in Ethiopia and the United States, and a life shaped by his education at UNIS Hanoi, Matias’s work reflects a deeply personal vision of a “borderless world.”
After graduating from UNIS Hanoi, Matias pursued a degree in Economics and Finance at Northeastern University in Boston. However, the seeds of Foreign Resource were planted earlier. While still at UNIS, he created his first designs, which his classmates were proud to wear. Reflecting on the decision to launch his brand during university, Matias shares, “I knew this was the lowest-risk time in my life to take the leap.” Supported by a university grant, Foreign Resource began to take shape.
Foreign Resource is defined by its philosophy as much as its designs. Its name and cracked snowflake logo pay tribute to nature, uniqueness, and the fragility and fluidity of modern life. “The snowflake symbolises both individuality and the melting and transience of borders—personal, natural and cultural,” explains Matias. Each piece blends sustainability with storytelling, resonating with a new generation of “borderless” citizens.
Rather than traditional retail, Matias has chosen a pop-up model, hosting events in cities like Amsterdam, London, Hanoi, New York, and Ho Chi Minh City. “We want every country to feel included,” he says, aligning the brand’s ethos with its operations.
Matias credits his time at UNIS Hanoi for shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. “UNIS taught me the importance of connecting with people and staying true to my values,” he says. Now, as Foreign Resource grows, he’s giving back to the community by offering all UNIS alumni a $20 voucher with the code UNIS$20 on his website.
Matias’s journey is a testament to the power of bold ideas and global connections. With new collections and events on the horizon, Foreign Resource is poised to inspire a world without borders.
- Alumni News