Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood will design Virgin Atlantic's new uniforms. Photo / Getty
Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood will design Virgin Atlantic's new uniforms. Photo / Getty
Dame Vivienne Westwood has teamed up with Virgin Atlantic to design uniforms made from sustainable materials for cabin crew.
The iconic British designer has joined forces with entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson to redesign the airline's signature red suits.
Though both parties are known for bucking the norm in their ownways, the new outfits reflect Virgin Atlantic's reputation for feminine and pristine looking staff.
The glamorous yet practical designs reference 1940s couture in the tailoring, which means for the women, a suit nipped in at the waist with double pleats and a dart on the pencil skirt. The men's wardrobe is a three-piece Savile Row suit in a rich burgundy wool with British detailing seen in the grey wool lapels and pockets.
"My clothes have always got a very strong dynamic rapport with the body - they are very body conscious, they help you to look glamorous, more hourglass, more woman. I design things to help people to hopefully express their personality," Westwood said in an official statement about the collaboration with Virgin.
"I am always trying to find fabrics that are more friendly to the environment. Working with Virgin Atlantic, they managed to research into this and find more eco fabrics."
The focus on using sustainable materials in the creation of the new uniforms is of paramount importance to both Westwood and Branson.
Many of the suits feature recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles. These will roll out from July this year for a trial period before an official launch.
"Virgin Atlantic has a distinct spirit and, from a design perspective, we continually try to challenge the norm and stand out from the crowd," Branson told WWD.
"When we were choosing the designer for this project, we wanted to work with a group of people who share our spirit of adventure, who believe in challenging the status quo and creating something truly memorable."
