China-based Hainan Airlines is taking cabin crew fashion to the next level after it debuted its new uniforms last Tuesday at Paris Couture Week.
One thing we do have to point out is that the fashion ad campaign is lacking in models of color. If Kenzo managed to fly in 83 models of Asian descent during the unveiling of their 2018 spring collection in Paris, then so can Hainan Airlines.
One of the Hainan uniforms is reminiscent of the school attire worn by Harry Potter character, Fleur Delacour.
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Designed by Laurence Xu, the fifth-generation uniforms combine elements of “classical, time-honored Oriental aesthetics and the silhouette of a modern Western suit” for repurposing the stylish traditional Chinese cheongasm dress.
The uniform also features traditional Chinese art such as cloud patterns, as well as the sea and mountains, and even the roc, a mythical bird symbolizing strength.
Hainan Airlines said in a statement:
“The 3/4 sleeves denote simplicity and just the right amount of modesty, symbolic of the cabin crew’s high level of competence. The apron is designed like a tulip-shaped dress to emphasize, in equal measure, elegance, femininity, aesthetics and practicality. The Western-style draping incorporates popular international fashion elements alongside a sense of high-quality professionalism.”
Xu and the airline apparently went through 1,000 sketches and tried out more than 100 samples of garments and accessories before settling on the final design.
“The cooperation between Hainan Airlines and Lawrence Xu is industry leading. We are not only creating a new uniform but also showing the internationalized image of our airline. Especially on international routes, we would like to let passengers know that China is modern and trendy,” said Xu Fei, brand director of Hainan Airlines, according to BoredPanda.
