British Airways Reveals New & Inclusive Uniform Designs With Hijab Option For Muslim Women
The designer stated that one of his main objectives was to curate uniforms that empower and inspire the airline employees.
By Wayne Garreth — 13 Jan 2023, 03:20 PM
UK flag carrier airline British Airways has just revealed their first new uniform line in over 20 years — and this time, they're repping an inclusive identity
The collection, created by British fashion designer and tailor Ozwald Boateng, includes a tailored three-piece suit with slim-fit trousers for men, as well as dress, skirt, trousers, and jumpsuit options for women.
Another new addition to the line, however, is the option of a tunic and hijab outfit for Muslim women.
The jumpsuit option (left), the hijab and tunic option (middle), and the men's three-piece suit, modelled by Boateng himself (right).
Image via @pamannairbitch (Twitter)According to a press release posted by British Airways, more than 30,000 of the airline's engineers, cabin crew, pilots, and check-in agents will be donning the new outfit come spring this year (sometime in March).
The chief executive officer (CEO) of British Airways, Sean Doyle, was candid about the uniform symbolising and reflecting modern-British culture.
"Our uniform is an iconic representation of our brand, something that will carry us into our future, representing the very best of modern Britain and helping us deliver a great British original service for our customers," he stated in the press release.
Having worked on the collection since 2018, Boateng stated that he wanted to create a line that would inspire and empower those at British Airways
"Designing this uniform was a vast and painstaking undertaking, and it went far beyond clothes. It was about creating an energetic shift internally," he explained.
In order to create the best vision of his design, Boateng mentioned how he shadowed a variety of airport roles to understand how the uniform needed to function for each job while maintaining a modern British, stylish appearance.
"One of my main objectives was to create something that spoke to, and for, the airline's colleagues. Something that inspired and empowered them, encouraged them to conduct their roles with pride and most importantly to ensure that they felt seen and heard.
"Although the airline has a strong heritage, it was imperative to support in creating a fresh narrative of change and transcendence, while remaining timeliness," he added.
Taking great care in creating this unique collection, Boateng drew inspiration from the airline itself when coming up with the designs.
The airwave pattern which appears on the jackets, T-shirts, buttons, and ties throughout the collection, was inspired by the movement of air over an aircraft wing. All of the tailored garments feature a jacquard fabric with a variation of the airline's iconic speed marque.
In a report by The Indian Express, the carrier had released in an internal memo in November 2022, which informed staff that all uniformed employees are now permitted to wear mascara, false eyelashes, earrings, and carry accessories, including handbags. Man buns and nail polish are also allowed for all genders according to the newly updated rules.
In an effort to encourage sustainability, all employees, after receiving their new uniforms, will recycle or donate their old ones, which consist of 90% recycled polyester
"More than 1,500 colleagues across the airline took part in 50 workshops to help ensure the garments suitability, from design workshops to prototype feedback and garment trials, helping create an iconic collection that will stand the test of time.
"As they pick up their new items of uniform, they'll hand in their Julien MacDonald garments, which will be donated to charity or recycled to create toys, tablet holders, and more, with a number of items gifted to the airline's museum," read the press release.
