 Pink Palaver Over Air New Zealand Uniform
(New Zealand) - January 2010
Concept designs for Air New Zealand’s new uniform have received a mixed response from the public and within the airline itself. Created by Kiwi fashion designer Trelise Cooper, the core uniform of tailored black pin-striped suiting has been given the thumbs-up. But, the accent colour for cabin crew, namely a ‘twilight pink’ print dress, is causing a huge hullabaloo.
Cooper was asked to spearhead the revamp following an extensive review of 25 designers. Based on staff feedback, the women’s new-look uniform is decidedly more structured and feminine with a variety of options and levels of formality.
“She has been working with dozens of Air New Zealand staff to further understand the functionality needs of seven different work groups scattered across many different parts of the world,” says Ed Sims, Air New Zealand group general manager. “We have also been working closely with Trelise to ensure the uniform colour palette works in harmony with our soon to be unveiled new aircraft interiors.”
Cooper’s vision will be rolled-out in 2011, which coincides with the launch of the carrier’s new fleet of 777-3000 aircrafts. While the final designs are yet to be confirmed, pending further internal feedback, testing and trials, it’s said that 90,000 garments will be produced for more than 5,000 staff.
An unnamed female flight attendant recently went public with her perceptions of the highly debated ‘twilight pink’ dress, telling The Dominion Post that it resembled something from the airline’s annual themed flight to Sydney’s Mardi Gras. “The flight attendants look like drag queens off the Air New Zealand ‘Pink Flight’ … I haven’t worn that colour since I was five.”
Jack Yan, publisher of Lucire magazine, also commented to The Dominion Post. While the prints themselves clearly reflect Air New Zealand’s heritage, he expressed “doubts on whether pink conveys any national values”.
When it comes to the highly subjective nature of fashion, Air New Zealand’s garb simply cannot please everyone. The current uniform, designed by Zambesi, has been criticised for its “drab Thunderbirds look” and now Cooper’s efforts are being described as “drag queen Barbie”.
“This time around, it does make it clear that no matter what we deliver, we are going to get a very volatile reaction from four million fashion experts,” says Air New Zealand CEO, Rob Fyfe. “The fact that people do have an opinion actually says that they have a connection with Air New Zealand and they care about how we represent the country.” In support of the new uniform, Fyfe wore something pink everyday for a week. And, in wake of the public debate, the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) invited him to donate his blush power wardrobe in support of a good cause.
Pink is the internationally recognised colour of breast cancer awareness. And, hot on the trail of its “Real Men Wear Pink” badges, the Breast Cancer Foundation auctioned Fyfe’s clothes (including a Facconable pink shirt, Paul Smith tie and Calvin Klein underwear) on Trade Me, raising more than NZ$2,000 for its community outreach programme.
The winner will be flown to Auckland by Air New Zealand to collect the goods from Fyfe. “How can you pass-up on an opportunity to raise money for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation? I promise to have everything dry-cleaned for the successful bidder.”
Picture: 'Twilight Pink' Print Dress
.... Back to Latest Updates >>
.... Fashion
News >>
.... Tell us your thoughts on this article >>
|
