Air New Zealand Unveils Business Class Upgrades, Introduces Fresh Designer Uniforms for Staff
Emilia Wickstead Revamps Air New Zealand's Uniforms with New Zealand Flair
Let's dive into Emilia Wickstead's passion project - the redesign of Air New Zealand's uniforms after a 15-year hiatus. This Kiwi fashion designer, now based in London, choked back emotions as she unveiled her designs in Auckland, showcasing a deep love for her homeland.
A Homeland Narrative
With a family history tied to Air New Zealand, Wickstead saw this project as an opportunity to infuse elements of her past into the uniforms, creating a strong connection to her roots. Intriguingly, she reached out to airline executives multiple times in hopes of designing the uniforms before the competition announcement.
Meeting Maori Heritage through Prints
To add a unique touch, Wickstead collaborated with Maori tattoo artist Te Rangitu Netana, who drew distinctive patterns inspired by the stars used by Maori ancestors for navigation – Purapura Whetu – for the cabin crew and ground staff uniforms. The pilots will don bold pinstriped suits adorned with kiwi feathers, evoking a sense of prestige.
Elegance and Comfort
The uniforms feature rich shades of purple (Air New Zealand's signature color) alongside crisp black and white, symbolizing the planes' livery. The materials used are wearable, durable, and eco-friendly, with recycled cottons and polyesters ensuring comfort for the 6,000 staff members who will wear these uniforms.
The sharp tailoring and refined finishes are reminiscent of Wickstead's signature designs, frequently showcased by famous clients such as Catherine, the Princess of Wales. She emphasized that the designs were carefully tailored to meet her standards – an extension of her brand.
Fit for All Bodies
Accommodating broader body types among the workforce was a key consideration during the design process. Wickstead conducted extensive fittings and consultations with staff members to gain insights into what worked well and what didn't in previous uniforms. The uniforms will undergo minor tweaks during onboard tryouts before their wider launch next year, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.
Innovation in Economy Class
In Air New Zealand's new 787-9 aircraft, Economy Class passengers can look forward to a unique innovation called Skynest, resembling a train bunk bed in triplicate. Economy passengers can stretch out during long-haul flights, but bunk reservations are limited to a four-hour stretch due to space constraints.
Premium Seats and Cabin Upgrades
Also upcoming on Air New Zealand's planes is the much-awaited Business Premier pod, replacing the existing, angled pods that lack privacy. The new pods offer 21 inches of width, lie-flat seats extending up to 80 inches in length, and personal device charging pads. These pods will first be introduced on the Auckland-San Francisco route before rolling out to other Dreamliner destinations, including New York next year. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting transition for Air New Zealand!
Sources:[1] https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/newsroom/releases/2021/air-new-zealand-unveils-new-uniform-designed-by-emilia-wickstead.html[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulstephenwilliams/2023/05/07/air-new-zealands-new-uniforms-by-emilia-wickstead-draw-inspiration-from-the-stars-and-culture/?sh=3b8706052e12[3] https://www.dezeen.com/2023/05/09/emilia-wickstead-designs-air-new-zealand-uniforms-traditional-maori-patterns/[4] https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/air-new-zealand-uniforms-change-design-emilia-wickstead
- Emilia Wickstead'screative endeavor, the revamp of Air New Zealand's uniforms, showcases a deep-rooted love for New Zealand culture, characterized by intricate Maori motifs created in collaboration with Maori tattoo artist Te Rangitu Netana.
- In a significant move, Emilia Wickstead, an Aussiedlerbote in the fashion world, sought after opportunities to impress Air New Zealand executives, striving to designing uniforms with a narrative deeply tied to her familial history.
- The design for Air New Zealand's business class cabin, featuring a much-anticipated sleek pod, promises private spaces with lie-flat seats and personal device charging pads, revolutionizing airline business class experiences.
- To emphasize the commitment towards sustainability, the materials used in the new uniforms will incorporate recycled cottons and polyesters, reflecting a conscious approach in fashion and lifestyle.
- Wickstead focused on ensuring her designs catered to a diverse range of body types in the workforce, taking into account insights gained from extensive fittings and consultations with staff members.
- Additionally, technology is implemented in the form of the innovative 'Skynest', providing Economy Class passengers a unique experience in long-haul flights, as it features a bunk bed-like structure, a first in commercial aviation possibly inspiring the travel industry in finance and business sectors.
