Skift Take
New designs don’t make airlines money, but they do build branding and more airlines will follow in the footsteps of ANA and Virgin Atlantic’s buzzed-about new threads.
He’s dressed Hollywood stars and royalty – and now Prabal Gurung is taking his designs to the skies.
The Singapore-born, US-based designer has sealed a deal to design the uniforms for the ANA Group (All Nippon Airways) to mark its 60th anniversary. The designs, which will be worn by approximately 10,000 cabin and ground staff, will be rolled out from the second half of 2014.
Gurung, who has dressed the Duchess of Cambridge, Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Watson, called the collaboration a “great honor,” explaining how “the new uniform will pay homage to the history of the airline while incorporating a fresh and modern perspective.
In turn, a spokesperson for the ANA Group described Gurung as “one of the most promising and celebrated designers of his generation.” The airline is the eighth largest airline in the world by revenues and the largest in Japan by passenger numbers.
The New York Fashion Week designer follows in the footsteps of Vivienne Westwood, who recently announced a 10-year partnership with Virgin Atlantic to overhaul its staff uniforms.
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Tags: all nippon airways, design, fashion
Photo credit: Current ANA flight uniforms could use a redesign.