Nov 7, 2023
Shuvangi Bhattacharya
Flight attendants or trend setters?
Flight attendants have always been the face of the airline industry, and their uniforms tell a fascinating tale of changing trends and standards over the years.
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A walk through the ages of fashion in the air
From the glamour of the golden age of aviation to the practicality and professionalism of today, flight attendant uniforms have seen remarkable transformations.
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The evolution of flight attendant uniforms
Let's take a pictorial journey through the decades to witness how these uniforms have evolved.
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1940s: Transcontinental & Western Air hostess uniform by Howard Greer
In 1944, Hollywood fashion designer Howard Greer introduced a revolutionary design, featuring the "blou-slip," an undergarment that ensured the two-piece uniform stayed perfectly in place.
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1950s: Trans World Airlines hostess uniform by Oleg Cassini
Oleg Cassini, known as the official designer for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, created TWA's hostess uniform in 1955. It embodied the elegance of the era.
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1950s: Pan American World Airways stewardess uniform by Don Loper
Designer Don Loper crafted a stylish wool blue suit with sharp angular features in 1959, subtly paying tribute to the new jet airline age of the '50s.
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1960s: Braniff International Airways hostess uniform by Emilio Pucci
Emilio Pucci introduced a revolution in design with bold colors and patterns in Braniff's uniform, breaking the norms with "The end of the plain plane."
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1960s: United Airlines stewardess uniform by Jean Louis
Between 1968 and 1970, Jean Louis designed a dress for United Airlines' stewardesses, combining style and practicality.
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1960s: Air France stewardess uniform by Cristóbal Balenciaga
Balenciaga's creation for Air France, crafted in 1969, was one of his last designs before his passing in 1972. He established an entire department within his fashion house for this project.
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1970s: Pan American World Airways stewardess uniform by Frank Smith for Evan-Picone
In 1971, the uniform for the superjet era came in blue or gold, offering a stylish and distinctive look.
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1970s: Trans World Airlines female flight attendant uniform by Valentino
Valentino's plum-colored knit dress suit in 1971 provided a fashionable option for female flight attendants, even including a pant-suit design.
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1970s: United Airlines female flight attendant uniform by Stan Herman
Stan Herman, renowned for designing flight attendant uniforms, created this suit, which United Airlines attendants wore from 1976 to 1981.
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1980s: Qantas Airways female flight attendant uniform by Yves Saint Laurent
In 1986, Yves Saint Laurent's tuxedo-style jacket with padded shoulders was inspired by his '80s power suit design.
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2000s: Aeroméxico female flight attendant uniform by Macario Jiménez
Between 2008 and 2011, Macario Jiménez's polyester knit suit made a stylish and comfortable choice for Aeroméxico flight attendants.
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2010s: Virgin Atlantic female flight attendant uniform by Vivienne Westwood
Known for her influence on the British punk scene, Vivienne Westwood added her unique style to Virgin Atlantic's uniform in 2014, embracing their fiery red trademark.
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