AIR NEW ZEALAND: New cool uniforms revealed

I was in New Zealand only a fortnight ago, and on an Air New Zealand flight, I was reminded of how pretty the purple uniforms are. I also noted that they were a little dated, almost pre-turn of the 21st century. In fact, the Trelise Cooper Designs were last introduced in 2010/11. So it is definitely time for an update.

Really good design

I am very impressed by this suite of engaging print designs and the way they have been interpreted into a range of clothing options. The corporate purple has been retained, as have sophisticated and indigenous design elements. Smart and contemporary—overused, I know—but they apply to these designs.

The Designers

The chief designer is Emilia Wickstead, an expatriate New Zealander who lives in London. She has been assisted by Te Rangitu Netana (also UK-based), who created the hand-painted tā moko (Maori tattoo) prints used on some fabrics.

Wickstead has become a darling of the rich and fabulous, with her clothes worn by everyone from the Princess of Wales to Melania Trump. The designer even claimed that Meghan Markle’s wedding dress was ‘identical‘ to one of her designs.

Th Uniforms

As with most uniforms, there are a variety of garments and fabrics that can to a large extent be mixed and matched. The garments have names:

• Fine Print – Dress features a kōwhai (a NZ native lowland shrub/tree with bright yellow flowers) print
• Collective Thread – Shirt featuring purapura whetū patterns (a tukutuku pattern that represents the stars and the great numbers of people of a nation), designed for cabin crew and ground staff
• Wrap-around Trench — purple pinstripe coat
• Woven one — Ie Faitaga — for trialling by Pasifika staff. This is a formal lavalava with pockets. For want of a better description, a Samoan ‘kilt‘ with pockets
• Suit — for pilots, bold pinstripe with kiwi feather print lining
• Runway Cut Waistcoat — for male crew and ground staff

There is a mix of fabrics used in the different pieces, Everything from recycled synthetics to natural fibres including cotton and Merino wool.

When will we see them on flights?

The new uniforms hit the air bridge in May 2025 for testing and feedback. They will not be universally worn by staff until 2026.

2PAXfly Takeout

I think these designs, prints, and fabrics look pretty impressive. Although currently clean and pure in their aesthetic, I will be expecting some changes once the trial is completed. Hopefully, changes don’t compromise the fine fabrics and clean cuts of the designs or the complexity of the prints.

Now, all Air New Zealand needs to do is improve its industry-leading frequent flyer scheme and update those aircraft interiors. The interior refresh has already started with the arrival of the first refurbished Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It has a total cabin refresh, including new Business Premier Luxe seat, redesigned Business Premier, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.