It’s all about new looks for cabin crew this year, as Air New Zealand becomes the latest airline to unveil a new look for its staff, joining the likes of SAS, Jet2 and Air Malta.
Emilia Wickstead designed the hotly anticipated new look, which was unveiled at a special event in Auckland on Thursday, April 10. It features bespoke hand-painted prints from tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana.
Internationally recognised, New Zealand-born, London-based fashion designer Wickstead was chosen to create the new look in November 2023 after the airline revealed it would overhaul its uniform. She follows a line of famous designers whose uniform designs have become part of the airline’s history, including Christian Dior (1961), Nina Ricci (1976), Barbara Lee (1992) and Zambesi (2005).
Speaking of the new look, Wickstead said: “One thing that I was very much inspired by was Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior that designed the first Air New Zealand uniforms. You look at those, and if everyone was wearing them today, they would still be standing the test of time, and they would still feel tasteful, and they wouldn’t have dated, in my opinion, so for me, that’s very important with this uniform.
“It was integral for me that if I was going to have a print that needed to showcase and talk about our heritage, our Māori culture, who we are as a country, our mana… and if I didn’t do that, that absolutely would not have made sense.”
Key pieces in the collection, such as the deep purple dress, feature the intricate and meaningful kōwhai print. ‘The Collective Thread – Shirt’ features striking purapura whetū patterns, representing the stars and the people of a nation, and are designed to be worn by any cabin crew or ground staff member, highlighting the collection’s versatility.
An ie faitaga, a more formal version of a lavalava, has been added to the uniform to be trialled by Pasifika team members, supporting the airline’s commitment to inclusivity.
The collection also includes a new waistcoat for male crew members with either a kākā feather print or a pepeha print and a trench coat with a purple pinstripe.
New designs for pilots include a bold pinstriped suit with a Kiwi feather print lining, symbolising leadership and prestige.
Perfect Prints
Each print on the uniform has been hand-drawn by tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, and Te Arawa). It tells a story about the Indigenous heritage, history, and culture of Aotearoa and reflects the airline’s values.
“The patterns on this uniform are a reflection of the land, the sea, and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi. As a Māori artist on the world stage, I feel a deep responsibility in ensuring our culture is represented in a way that is authentic and meaningful. I’m proud that these designs have found a place in Air New Zealand’s uniform, bringing te ao Māori to designs that show up all over the world,” Netana said.
The striking prints on the outfits are also embellished with intricate details. The sleeves of all the shirts have Matariki stars stitched on, while the managers have a huia feather.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran says this uniform represents the best of Air New Zealand and Aotearoa. “For us, this is more than just a uniform. It is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values,” he explained. “Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. We have a tradition of being bold, showcasing what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members. Our new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a deep sense of pride and belonging.”
Sustainability Showcase
Air New Zealand said it would incorporate recycled polyester and organic cotton into the new uniform. In a statement, it said: “We are committed to exploring and transitioning to more sustainable materials as they become viable in the future to further reduce our environmental impact and support responsible supply chains.”
Men’s shirts will transition from conventional cotton to organic cotton, and pilot shirts will be a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton. The suit will be crafted from a recycled polyester and wool blend. Women’s dresses will be made from recycled polyester to reduce environmental impact, and knitwear will be produced using high-quality Merino wool.
The collection
The Air New Zealand uniform collection features a bold and uplifting mix of vibrant colours, creative prints, and elevated tailoring. Key pieces include:
- The Fine Print – Dress: This dress features a tūī knot neckline and a kōwhai print inspired by the story of Ngatoro-i-Rangi, symbolising protection, responsibility, and belonging.
- The Collective Thread – Shirt: A versatile, inclusive design with bold prints and a tūī knot neckline, designed to be worn by any crew or ground staff member.
- The Wrap Around – Trench: A sleek and stylish piece with a purple pinstripe, offering both craftsmanship and comfort.
- The Woven One – Ie Faitaga: A cultural garment to be trialled by Pacific people celebrating the rich heritage of the Pacific community
- The Runway Cut – Waistcoat: A new waistcoat for male crew members and ground staff, cloaking the wearer in mana and authority.
An onboard wearer trial will begin in May of this year. Once feedback from this has been collected, the new uniform will be rolled out across the carrier’s 6000 staff from 2026, replacing the current Dame Trelise Cooper-designed pink, blue and green uniforms they have been wearing since 2011.
What do you think of the new look? Let us know in the comments.
For more Flight Attendant fashion, check out our Style in the Aisles pages.
All images courtesy of Air New Zealand/Derek Henderson.
© Confessions of a Trolley Dolly by Dan Air
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