Hainan Airlines has partnered with well-known designer Lawrence Xu to create a new uniform for its cabin crew.
The new fifth-generation uniforms were exhibited at the recent 2017 Laurence Xu Haute Couture Show in Paris, showcasing combined elements including classical, time-honoured Asian aesthetics and the silhouette of a modern Western suit.
The women’s uniforms are designed as a cheongsam, a traditional Chinese dress for women usually worn on formal occasions, and feature a collar overlaid with a cloud pattern along with a lower hem featuring alternating sea and mountain patterns.
Meanwhile, the apron is designed as a tulip-shaped dress designed to emphasise elegance, femininity, aesthetics and practicality. While also including distinct Asian design motifs, the Western-style draping incorporates popular international fashion elements alongside a professional look.
The men’s uniforms, meanwhile, are slightly more Western in design, particularly the double-breasted overcoats. However, Chinese elements still come through, most notably in the Mandarin collars that feature on the men’s jackets.
Xu Fei, brand director of Hainan Airlines said: “The cooperation between Hainan Airlines and Lawrence Xu is industry leading. We are not only creating a new uniform, but also showing the internationalised image of our airline. Especially on international routes, we would like to let passengers know that China is modern and trendy.”
