Flying the trendy skies

Airlines keep an eye on fashion

This early Air France uniform has an authoratative military cut, designed to inspire confidence in air travelers

In this story: High-flying fashion The good, ol' days RELATED STORIES, SITES

From Stacey Wilkins
CNN Correspondent

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- In the early era of aviation, stewardesses sported a military-style look that helped reassure an uncertain public about flight safety.

But over the years, airlines gradually placed a higher premium on flight-attendant fashion. That emphasis may have reached its zenith in 1966, when Pucci sent the industry into a tailspin with a set of psychedelic uniforms for Braniff.

Delta flight attendants are switching to a new uniform design for the first time since 1982. "This is not as formal as the current uniform," says Delta's Pamela Perry

These days, travelers see a mix of styles in the skies, from the conservative to the casual.

Delta's uniform recently was rated the best among the airlines by an aviation trade magazine. Soon its flight attendants will switch to gray uniforms -- the first design change since 1982.

"We decided to introduce a new uniform because we wanted one that is distinctive and professional for all of our employees," said Pamela Perry of Delta.

"This is not as formal as the current uniform. It is very fashionable. It is very durable, and it is functional."

Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, has caught flak for what some people call its "casual Friday" outfits, and it earned the magazine's "worst" ranking.

But Southwest flight attendants say they don't mind putting fashion on standby.

Southwest has been criticized for what some people call its "casual Friday" outfits

"When we wore the dress uniforms with the blazer, you were like in a straitjacket," said Rosemary Southern of Southwest. "This is a lot more free. You feel you could easily perform the duties we need to perform in safety."

Aviation historian Charles Quarles is partial to uniforms from the early days.

"My favorites are the period of the late '30s, '40s and '50s," he said. "I just think that is the authoritative, very stylish and tailored look to uniforms."

Designer Helmut Lang, who has borrowed bits of airline chic for his own collection, also looks more fondly at earlier airline fashion.

Aviation historian Charles Quarles has an extensive collection of uniforms. "My favorites are the period of the late '30s, '40s and '50s," he said

"I think, at the beginning, when an airplane was kind of a big event and a social event, and wasn't a common form of transportation, the uniforms were actually much more exciting," he said.

"I think the whole attitude about flying and flight uniforms was much more exciting in the '50s and '60s."

Keith Lovegrove, who examines the evolving look of airline travel in his book, "Airline: Identity, Design and Culture," isn't real impressed with the stereotypical airline look these days.

"I see the airline industry as a complete reflection of what is happening on planet Earth," he said. "Today the planet is basically run by large corporations, and that is what we are seeing reflected in the skies. Most of the uniforms today are like business suits. They are quite boring -- middle of the road -- but they are very, very safe."

Lang blends black with splash of color
June 29, 2000
Court: United weight standards unfair to female flight attendants
June 22, 2000
Lang, de la Renta win top designer awards
June 16, 2000
Flight attendant training: Safety first
September 9, 1999
Lang designs for the millennium
February 19, 1999
Protecting flight attendants from turbulence
January 5, 1998
Ethnic inspiration for Lang fall '96
August 13, 1996

Delta Air Lines
Southwest Airlines
Helmut Lang

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