Air New Zealand has announced plans to redesign the uniforms for its 4,500 cabin crew and airport staff.
The carrier says it will invite a selection of local designers to submit proposals, including Dame Trelise, creator of the airline’s current pink, green and blue uniforms, which were launched in 2011.
The chosen designer(s) will be unveiled early next year, with the successful submission expected to meet criteria including sustainable sourcing credentials, and “a proven track record in the New Zealand fashion industry”.
The new uniforms are expected to roll out in 2021, ahead of the arrivals of the carrier’s new long-haul aircraft fleet and new onboard product “around 2023”.
Commenting on the news Air New Zealand General Manager Global Brand and Content Marketing Jodi Williams said:
“The successful design will capture the New Zealand spirit and Air New Zealand brand and be something our people feel proud to wear. At the same time the uniform will need to be practical and meet the needs of thousands of individuals working in diverse roles and environments all over the world.
“Dame Trelise’s current uniform is loved by our staff and we are committed to ensuring the next one meets the same high standard.
“We see this as an exciting opportunity to take a step back and really consider where our business is heading and what our uniform might look like in the future. For example, will exclusively male or female uniforms always be relevant?
Previous designers of Air New Zealand’s uniforms include Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Barbara Lee, and Zambesi. The carrier said that a review of its pilot uniform will be carried out “after the cabin crew and ground staff uniform process is completed”.
Earlier this week British Airways unveiled Ozwald Boateng OBE as the designer of its forthcoming new uniforms, which will form part of the carrier’s centenary celebrations in 2019.
