Kiwi fashion designer Emilia Wickstead has unveiled her new uniform design for Air New Zealand – over a decade on from the national carrier’s last uniform update.
The new kit for the airline is woven with references to New Zealand, from the Matariki constellation on the sleeves to a huia feather to represent management.
The deep purple dress features a kōwhai print and the shirt, which has been designed to be worn by cabin crew and ground staff employees, has purapura whetū patterns.
The outfit for pilots includes a pinstripe suit with a kiwi feather print lining.
An ie faitaga, a more formal version of a lavalava, has also been added to the uniform to be trialled by Pasifika team members.
While she has dressed royals such as the Princess of Wales and celebrities like Lady Gaga and Emma Watson, Wickstead said designing the uniform for thousands of Air New Zealand staff had been an “incredibly personal project”.
“At the heart of it was a deep respect for the heritage and the unique identity of New Zealand’s people and land.”
The London-based designer wanted to create a uniform that “tells a meaningful story about Aotearoa”.
“I wanted to create a uniform that empowers individuals and inspires pride in all who wear it and see it.”
Good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion, she said.
Each print on the uniform has been hand-drawn by tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana.
“The patterns on this uniform are a reflection of the land, the sea, and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi,” he said.
“I’m proud that these designs have found a place in Air New Zealand’s uniform, bringing te ao Māori to designs that show up all over the world.”
Wickstead said she knew she wanted to work with Netana during the conception phase of the redesign.
“I already had in mind that I wanted to work with him on these prints before I’d even spoken to him, so thank goodness he said yes.”
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran said the uniform represented the best of Air New Zealand and Aotearoa.
He said that Wickstead was a “real standout” and that the airline “picked a winner” to redesign its uniform.
“We’re just absolutely thrilled with what she’s done.”
The onboard wearer trial will commence in May 2025 and following testing and feedback from wearers will be rolled out across the network by 2026.
Last year Jetstar refreshed its uniform for the first time in its history.
