Air New Zealand has chosen to collaborate with well-known New Zealand fashion designer Emilia Wickstead for the creation of their new staff uniforms.
Air New Zealand has chosen to collaborate with well-known New Zealand fashion designer Emilia Wickstead for the creation of their new staff uniforms. Wickstead, who has received international acclaim, is renowned for her designs, one of which was a Princess Diana-esque cream dress worn by Dame Jacinda Ardern. Over 40 New Zealand designers had expressed interest in designing the new uniforms, but Wickstead’s concepts stood out.
Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty, stated that they were “blown away” by Wickstead’s ideas. She also added that they heard pitches from some of the top design talents in New Zealand, making the decision a tough one. Wickstead expressed her delight at being chosen, saying the project is a true passion for her and reflects her connection to her homeland, Aotearoa.
The new uniform design is expected to pay deep respect to New Zealand’s cultural heritage and will be progressively introduced to over 5,000 cabin crew, ground staff, and pilots. Air New Zealand announced in May that it would be refreshing its uniform design, which was originally created by Dame Trelise Cooper and had been in use for 12 years.
