We’re delighted to announce that Virgin Atlantic is partnering with leading British designer Vivienne Westwood to redesign our iconic red uniform. The collaboration between the two British brands is a long-term partnership which will see a total re-design of the uniform across all areas. With original design and sustainability being vital factors to both Richard Branson and Vivienne Westwood, this project aims to bring these ideals together in an exciting and innovative collaboration.
Standing out from the crowd
For the new uniforms, Vivienne Westwood wanted to create a futuristic look which references her enduring interest in 40s French couture cutting techniques as well as the Savile Row tailoring heritage. The new designs will capture the glamour and style that Virgin Atlantic cabin crew are renowned for.
?Virgin Atlantic has a distinct spirit and from a design perspective we continually?try?to?challenge?the norm and stand out from the crowd,” said Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic. “Our current uniform has been around for more than 10 years and we have seen other airlines start to copy it. When we were choosing the designer for this project, we wanted to work with a group of people who share our spirit of?adventure, who believe in challenging the status quo and creating something truly memorable.?
A distinct spirit
?My clothes have always got a very strong dynamic rapport with the body ? they are very body conscious, they help you to look glamorous, more hourglass, more woman,” said Vivienne Westwood. “I design things to help people to hopefully express their personality. I am always trying to find fabrics that are more friendly to the environment ? working with Virgin Atlantic they managed to research this and find more eco fabrics.?
For the female cabin crew uniform the design process began by looking at cuts which encompassed function as well as form. The suit is, of course, in the signature Virgin red and the silhouette extremely feminine to fit all shapes and sizes. The jacket enhances the female form with the aid of cleverly placed bust pleats, a nipped in waist and a curved hip line, and the pencil skirt ? which looks deceptively simple from the front ? then reveals a cheeky dart and double pleat at the back. For the men, a sharp Savile Row inspired three piece suit in rich burgundy wool is subverted with shadow details in grey wool under the lapels and pockets. The effect is of a very traditional British look which is given a contemporary feel.
Over 7,500 staff including cabin crew, pilots, Clubhouse staff and Virgin Holidays employees will receive new uniforms from the renowned designer and employees have been involved throughout the design process. Passengers will receive a sneak peek of the new uniforms from July 2013 when cabin crew and ground staff trial the uniform at the airports and on board. Crew will provide feedback on the design, practicality and wearability so tweaks can be made ahead of the full launch in 2014.
Making things more sustainable
Many items of the new uniform will be produced using recycled materials – in particular working with recycled polyester yarn made from used plastic bottles. The suiting fabrics will also have a nano finish applied which extends the life of garments and enables clothing to retain its colour and finish for longer.
We’re also developing all items with Closed Loop Recycling in mind. This new technology takes worn polyester clothing and turns it back into fibres that can be woven again into new fabrics and in turn new clothing.
“Both Vivienne and myself spend a lot of time in our businesses trying to tackle problems of global warming and the like,” said Sir Richard. “Every company should be thinking ‘how can we make things which are sustainable?'”
Vivienne Westwood has also introduced recycled bags for the ground staff which will be produced for Virgin through the Ethical Africa Programme, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC). The bags will be created using recycled canvas, reused roadside banners, unused leather off-cuts, and recycled brass, produced in the Kibera slum, Nairobi, where discarded metal like padlocks and car pieces are collected then melted down.
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