Air New Zealand's future uniform
Our uniform is worn with pride by more than 5,000 people every day. It represents who we are, our people, our airline, and our country. With that in mind, we set about finding a design partner who is the perfect fit to bring our future uniform to life.
Meet Emilia Wickstead
We're thrilled to have Emilia Wickstead on board to design our future uniform. Emilia Wickstead's designs are creative, unique, and will set Air New Zealand apart on the global stage. Her ability to create modern yet timeless pieces perfectly fits with our vision, creating a uniform that our people can wear with pride now and into the future.
Born in New Zealand and raised in the suburbs of Auckland, Emilia's early love for design was inspired by her mother, who ran her own made-to-measure fashion business. At fourteen Emilia moved to Italy where she became mesmerised with the world of luxury fashion.
After studying fashion design and marketing at Central Saint Martins, Emilia launched her career in New York at American Vogue and at fashion houses Narciso Rodriguez and Proenza Schouler. In 2008, she returned to London where she started her business at age 24 with just 5,000 pounds creating made-to-measure pieces from her flat. Since then, her brand has been on a trajectory for success, growing her business to become a successful global brand with some of the world's most high-profile customers.
Known for her use of colour and exacting craftsmanship, Emilia Wickstead's designs effortlessly combine tradition with refined silhouettes and contemporary twists to create timeless, elegant clothing with a clear point of distinction.
The journey ahead
Air New Zealand will be working closely with Emilia Wickstead to bring to life our new uniforms. The first step is design development of concepts which will encompass fittings, design detailing, fabrication, and functionality. The uniform will also need to undergo onboard trials as well as uniform wearer consultation before the designs are revealed in late 2024.
The new uniforms will be rolled out to all cabin crew, front of house ground staff and pilots over the next few years. We can't wait to see our new uniforms flying at 33,000 feet and being worn proudly at airport check-in.
There's so much more to come, and we can't wait to share it with you.
The history of Air New Zealand uniforms
Emilia Wickstead will add to 83 years of Air New Zealand uniform legacy. From Dior to Nina Ricci, Barbara Lee, and Dame Trelise Cooper, Emilia will join an incredible line-up of designers and become part of the fabric of Air New Zealand.
Take a look back at some of our most iconic looks throughout the years.