Elizabeth Florence Emanuel (née Weiner) was born in London on July 5, 1953, and always had a passion for fashion. After leaving school, she attended Harrow School of Art, where she completed a diploma in Fashion Design. It was there that she met Welsh fashion designer David Emanuel.
In 1977, a year after the pair got married, they launched their own fashion house, Emanuel Salon, in Brook Street, Mayfair. Their couture designs quickly became a favourite of Lady Diana Spencer, and the pair would go on to design her unforgettable wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981.
Elizabeth and David separated in 1990, but she retained part of the business and created her own label, Elizabeth Emanuel.
‘The Emanuel’
In 1991, close friend of Princess Diana and owner of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Sir Richard Branson, personally approached Emanuel to overhaul its Arabella Pollen crew uniforms, which had been unchanged since the airline took to the skies on June 22, 1984.
Launched at a typically flamboyant event held at Kensington Roof Gardens, the uniforms were based on those worn by boat stewards in the 1930s. The new look covered uniforms, luggage and accessories and was a lighter reddish-orange than the previous outfit. The collarless and grey piped single-breasted jackets for female staff, with a below-the-knee red pencil skirt, were tightly tailored, with wing badges embroidered with gold thread on the left-hand side of the coat to complement the iconic gold buttons.
Male staff, meanwhile, wore a two-piece grey suit with a red tie. In 1994, a green version of the look was introduced for the crew member who was in charge of recycling on flights.
Beloved by cabin crew and passengers alike, ‘The Emanuel’ would remain until 1999, when John Rocha became the third designer to update Virgin’s iconic look.
Rule Britannia
A few years later, Britannia Airways, then the second largest airline in the UK and the biggest charter airline in the world, was undergoing an upgrade to its brand, introducing its new inflight ‘360’ service. Aircraft interiors were upgraded, along with in-flight entertainment and even its cocktail sticks.
It was also time to update its former ‘Royal Service’ uniforms, which, despite being well received by passengers, were seen as unflattering by crews. This mammoth task was given to Cathy McDonnell, who was the airline’s Cabin Crew Regional Manager North. McDonnell knew that the uniforms would need to be comfortable, eye-catching, and practical for the crews that had to wear them.
Speaking at the time, McDonnell said: “We approached crews to see what they wanted. They asked why couldn’t they have a proper fashion designer. We sent out briefs to a number of big names in the fashion world, and Elizabeth’s preliminary sketches proved the most exciting.”
A project group was formed, and Wensum Corporate Clothing was selected to manufacture the uniforms, working closely with the airline and Emanuel. McDonnell continued: “Above all, the crews had to like it. If they like what they are wearing, they are going to be happier at their jobs.”
The team soon incorporated the airline’s new ‘360’ concept into the designs, with alterations to the scarves, ties, tabards, and name badges to incorporate the bright colours of the new look. This led to the uniform featuring a smart corporate outdoor look, with a bright and colourful ‘360’ look for onboard.
The uniform was finally launched in April 1997, and all Britannia’s 1450+ crew members attended the Hilton Hotel and Gatwick Airport to be specially fitted for the new outfit.
What do you think of these two iconic looks, and which one was your favourite?
To read more stories of flight attendant fashion and cabin crew couture, click here.
© Confessions of a Trolley Dolly by Dan Air
I can’t help but love the Britannia uniform (red beret) as it bring back memories of the very first series of Airline ….the one with BJ strutting his stuff.