Qantas reveals new hostie uniform

Miranda Kerr in the new red, black and pink Qantas uniform. Picture: Qantas

There have been only 10 uniform redesigns in the airline's history. Picture: Qantas

The scene at the Qantas uniform unveiling before the models take to the runway. Picture: Melissa Hoyer Source: news.com.au

They feature black trench coats with a splash of red. Picture: Qantas

FRENCH navy, red and a splash of hot pink are the calling cards for the new Qantas uniform unveiled with a huge runway show in Sydney this morning.

Miranda Kerr, an ambassador for the airline, rocked the runway in a French navy trench coat, just one of the pieces cabin and ground crew will start wearing next year.

Tagged as sophisticated, fresh, understated, modern and wearable the new uniform was designed by Paris-based, Melbourne-born designer Martin Grant, a man work renowned for exquisite tailoring.

He created 35 garment styles for male and female employees - a total of 400,000 pieces of clothing.

While not wanting to take the 'flying kangaroo' emblem too literally, Mr Grant choose to incorporate the red Qantas triangle logo very effectively on the lapels, and skirt 'vents'.

Flanked by Cate Blanchett and Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, the 300 strong crowd – most of whom were Qantas employees – gave the uniforms a standing ovation.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce told the models: "They look amazing... These uniforms represent not only Qantas but Australia around the globe."

Vogue editor-in-chief Edwina McCann said "I really love it".

"Martin Grant is one of the best tailor in the world so his expertise has really shoe through with every piece."

In pictures: Previous Qantas uniforms

The new Qantas uniforms. Picture: Qantas Source: No Source

A trench coat, already tagged the 'Inspector Gadget' coat, single breasted blazers, a women's vest, slim leg pants, white shirts, a shit dress with red and pink panels and red neck scarves have given the new Qantas a back-to-the-glamour days of travel vibe.

The addition of hat – perhaps a smart move considering  he Qantas and Emirates hook-up – has certainly given the uniform a more sophisticated edge.

The big-time runway show was made even more professional with the help of model coach Jay Alexander who taught the 'models' (all Qantas staff) to walk in Christian Loubotin heels.

Other designers who included had been up for the job included Collette Dinnigan, Josh Goot and Dion Lee, but it was grant who was ultimately given the mantle, taking over from Peter Morriossey who designed the boomerang print uniforms 11 year ago.

The uniforms will begin to appear on Qantas’ 12,600 uniformed staff from early next year.

Fifteen types of fabrics were used, including Australian wool.

Great "flying roo" detail on the uniforms. Picture: Melissa Hoyer Source: news.com.au

The "chic" new uniforms on show. Picture: Melissa Hoyer Source: news.com.au

The new red, black and pink Qantas uniforms. Picture: Qantas Source: No Source

Fashion designer Martin Grant with models in previous Qantas uniforms. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

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Branson sorry for Virgin uniform removal

Sir Richard Branson stands outside a hotel in Sydney, Australia, holding a model Virgin Atlantic plane. Picture: Photo/Rob Griffith

RICHARD Branson has apologised to a British Royal Navy helicopter technician who was told she could not board a flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles unless she removed her uniform and changed into a sleep suit instead.

Virgin Atlantic staff and a security official allegedly told Petty Officer Nicky Howse her uniform may offend other passengers.

Mr Branson tweeted: "An airport security guard made a dreadful mistake in telling our staff a service woman could not wear her uniform on our flight.

"Our team made a mistake in following that advice. The @VirginAtlantic people involved are mortified and have apologised profusely."

Officer Howse, 32, was returning home to America after attending her grandfather's funeral in Ipswich.

In an email sent to a civilian friend, revealed by the Daily Mail, Petty Office Howse wrote: "It was horrific. I was made to feel uncomfortable in my own country for wearing the uniform I wear to defend the place. It made me ashamed of my country that a British serviceman can't travel in uniform. I was so distressed."

"I was basically told it was because 'We don't only fly British passengers' and told it was seen as a threat. They then said it was for my own safety to stop abuse."

View the original article here

Branson sorry for Virgin uniform removal

Sir Richard Branson stands outside a hotel in Sydney, Australia, holding a model Virgin Atlantic plane. Picture: Photo/Rob Griffith

RICHARD Branson has apologised to a British Royal Navy helicopter technician who was told she could not board a flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles unless she removed her uniform and changed into a sleep suit instead.

Virgin Atlantic staff and a security official allegedly told Petty Officer Nicky Howse her uniform may offend other passengers.

Mr Branson tweeted: "An airport security guard made a dreadful mistake in telling our staff a service woman could not wear her uniform on our flight.

"Our team made a mistake in following that advice. The @VirginAtlantic people involved are mortified and have apologised profusely."

Officer Howse, 32, was returning home to America after attending her grandfather's funeral in Ipswich.

In an email sent to a civilian friend, revealed by the Daily Mail, Petty Office Howse wrote: "It was horrific. I was made to feel uncomfortable in my own country for wearing the uniform I wear to defend the place. It made me ashamed of my country that a British serviceman can't travel in uniform. I was so distressed."

"I was basically told it was because 'We don't only fly British passengers' and told it was seen as a threat. They then said it was for my own safety to stop abuse."

View the original article here