In the ever-evolving theater that is the airline industry, the latest act to grace the stage involves a wardrobe change. Air New Zealand, known for its bold liveries and a national pride that could rival a rugby World Cup victory, has unveiled its new uniforms, designed by the renowned Emilia Wickstead. And frankly, after years of seeing some rather, shall we say, unique approaches to airline fashion, I find myself cautiously optimistic.
The airline, ever keen on celebrating its Aotearoa roots (a term I’m still trying to decipher without sounding like a confused Kiwi), is billing these new threads as a “bold celebration” of all things Kiwi. The pilot’s pinstriped suit with a kiwi feather print lining? Brilliant. A touch of avian elegance, if I may say so.
Apparently, sustainability is the name of the game, with recycled polyester and organic cotton playing a starring role. The fashion industry has apparently noticed that there’s a lot of material waste…I’ll leave it at that. The new uniforms are set for a trial run next month before a full rollout in 2026.
The project boasts some heavy hitters. Designer Emilia Wickstead, a native of New Zealand, was a natural choice, and the prints are courtesy of Te Rangitu Netana. I’m told his work adds layers of cultural significance to the outfits, incorporating traditional motifs. In my humble opinion, it beats those beige ones.
To get a clearer perspective on the situation, I decided to consult with a couple of aviation experts. First up was Professor Icarus Flyweight, the esteemed Professor of Aeronautical Aesthetics at the prestigious Institute of Flight Phashion. “The strategic placement of the tūī knot neckline,” Professor Flyweight informed me, adjusting his bow tie, “is a masterstroke. It subtly reflects the airflow dynamics, much like a well-placed vortex generator. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a turbulence-induced lunch spill.”
Then there’s Captain Anya Landing, the world-renowned pilot and fashion critic, known for her brutally honest reviews on aviation-related fashion choices. “As long as the pilots can still reach the control stick without ripping a seam,” she observed, “I’m onboard. The pinstripes might be a little distracting on a go-around, but at least they won’t be mistaken for camouflage when you’re trying to blend into the Auckland night.”
So, what can we glean from all this? Well, Air New Zealand is embracing change, culture, and, hopefully, a comfortable fit for its staff. I, for one, am eager to see how these new uniforms fare. After all, in aviation, as in fashion, the only constant is the runway… and the occasional baggage claim mishap. Let’s hope these outfits withstand the turbulence.
