The runway for airplanes is meeting the runway for models, now that Banana Republic has designed new uniforms for the Virgin America. The new outfits will make their debut on August 8, the airline's fifth anniversary. With more than 2,000 pilots, flight attendants and other crew members, the airline will have no shortage of models.
USA Today calls the uniforms "modern" and "sleek," and the airline describes them as "utility chic." Passengers can expect to see red and purple accessories jazzing up black ensembles. There are updated scarves, and new outerwear options -- a leather jacket and a red trench coat. The airline's vice president of marketing, Luanne Calvert, said that the anniversary was the perfect time for a change. "We felt it is time to refresh our look," she said. "We felt this is the right time to hearken back to the golden age of flying."
If they like what they see, passengers will be able to rock parts of the look themselves. Select Banana Republic stores will sell pieces inspired by the new uniform. Fans of the clothing can also buy some pieces through the shopping section of Virgin's in-flight entertainment system. An identical replica of the uniform won't be available because it could lead to security issues, but the fashionable jet-setters can buy the tote bags, the trench coats, and aviator sunglasses. The pieces in the line range in cost from $78 to $250.
Virgin America spent 18 months creating the new look. USA Today writes "Attendants and executives had Project Runway-type sessions before settling on the winning design." Banana Republic's creative director, Simon Kneen, designed the uniforms to make movement easier. "We wanted to respect the heritage of in-flight uniform design while injecting a modern twist that's both functional and fashionable," he said.
With the new uniforms, the often-edgy airline is drawing more attention to its attendants. This is reminiscent of the 1960s, when looks were as an important factor in determining which flight attendants to hire. At the time, all attendants were women and the uniforms were colorful and sexy. The outfits became more professional as years went by and airlines focused more on safety and profits than on sex appeal.
Other airlines have redesigned their uniforms recently, but not many. In 2008, U.S. Airways updated their outfits with the help of Stan Herman, a past president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Clothing retailer Land's End designed uniforms for Southwest Airlines. They were unveiled in March.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
