Australia's iconic national carrier with the big red kangaroo on its tail has unveiled new uniforms for its staff.
The uniforms, which were the creation of Melbourne-born, Paris-based designer, Martin Grant will be worn by Qantas’ 12,600 uniformed employees from early next year. It’s the first change in ten years.
Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce – turning fashionista with supermodel Miranda Kerr leading the catwalk show designed to look like a runway - said it was a new chapter for Qantas.
“The new uniform speaks of Australian style on the global stage,” he said.
The design brief was for a “unique, functional and durable uniform suitable for a premium airline” operating internationally and domestically.
Once selected, Grant developed the final product in collaboration with Qantas employees.
Mr Joyce said “the end result is a stylish and comfortable collection that will help our people feel their best no matter where they are in the world.”
Mr Grant designed 35 separate garments for male and female employees using French navy, white and “variations of Qantas red” including ruby red and fuchsia pink featured in diagonal stripes. Women have a choice of dress, tops, trouser and skirt suit, trend coat, scarf and trilby hat. Men have a tailored suit, casual jacket, vests with ties coordinated with the diagonal stripe feature in the dress and scarves.
The fabrics used include Australian merino wool and cotton blends.
Martin Grant said his inspiration came from the Qantas logo – the red triangle and kangaroo.
“Qantas is a well recognised and loved Australian brand and has one of the strongest international logos.
“I kept coming back to the logo when I was thinking about the project. There is a huge amount of pride attached to it so it made sense to come back to it.
“I strived for something simple and durable with a bold colour palette. I also wanted to create something that would suit every body shape.”
Miranda Kerr congratulated Grant and Joyce at the launch in Sydney.
“I’m very proud to be here as part of this and I’m very proud to be representing such an iconic brand like Qantas.”