Qantas to debut a new look with refreshed uniforms
A search is underway to find a new Australian fashion designer up to the task.
From swirling motifs courtesy of exuberant Italian designer Emilio Pucci in the ‘70s to strong-shouldered and deeply ‘80s blazers by Yves Saint Laurent with trousers for female staff for the first time in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, the uniforms worn by Qantas crew have long made a statement.
Today the Flying Kangaroo has announced plans to refresh the uniforms for its staff.
It marks the end of Paris-based Australian designer Martin Grant’s tenure.
Grant, who recently donated more than 200 pieces from his personal archive to the National Gallery of Victoria and will be the subject of a forthcoming major survey of his work at the Ian Potter Centre, has designed the uniforms since 2014.
Grant said he was proud to have had his designs worn by Qantas staff around the world.
“Contributing to Qantas’ uniform history has been a career highlight,” he says.
“I can’t wait to see what the next Australian designer creates.”
Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson said staff have loved wearing Martin Grant’s designs, which featured smart nipped-in silhouettes, navy and splices of strong block colours.
In 2016 Grant also designed the navy pilot’s uniforms, telling Vogue Australia at the time that inspiration on his mood board included the film Catch Me If You Can.
Other Australian designers to create the uniforms include Peter Morrissey and George Gross and Harry Who.
The search for a new Australian fashion designer to design what will be the airline’s 11th uniform in its history will begin with a survey of the more than 17, 500 staff who will wear them.
The current Martin Grant uniforms consists of more than 50 items.
Hudson says it represents a new era for the airline.
“We have ambitious plans for the future and transforming the way we reflect the brand is critical to that,” she said in a statement.
“Our uniform represents the Qantas spirit all over the world. With a vast and growing international and domestic network, a historic fleet renewal program underway and the final frontier of global aviation just around the corner it’s time to define a new look for our people that reflects where we are heading.”
The announcement of the new designer will be announced in coming months, with the new uniform to debut in 2027. It will align with the arrival of new fleet and plans such as its ultra long-haul route Project Sunrise.
