Qantas unveils new uniform designed by Morrissey

Qantas today unveiled a new uniform, the work of leading Australian designer Peter Morrissey, to be worn by around 12,000 flight attendants and ground staff from September.

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Qantas Executive General Manager Sales and Marketing John Borghetti said the current uniform had been introduced in 1994 and the new uniform was an important investment for the airline because flight attendants and ground staff were the face of Qantas.

"The design brief was to provide a modern, attractive and functional uniform, suitable for a premium airline operating in both domestic and international markets," Mr Borghetti said.

"After an exhaustive selection and design process, Peter Morrissey has created a uniform that is truly distinctive, stylish and wearable.

"His interpretation of the brief is very exciting and, in collaboration with Qantas staff, we have developed a truly contemporary and stylish uniform that is also durable, flexible and comfortable.

"We have made extensive use of modern stretch fabrics that meet the needs of a very active frontline workforce. The range also comprises mix-and-match options to suit different work environments and climates."

Balarinji Design Studio has also made an important contribution to the overall design, with John and Ros Moriarty developing a distinctive new textile design, Wirriyarra. Balarinji is the company behind the airline's distinctive Aboriginal painted aircraft.

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Australian wool suits in black (flight attendants) and charcoal (ground staff) have been combined with the Wirriyarra design in three colours - Rock (for Qantas flight attendants), Ochre (for QantasLink flight attendants) and Opal (for airport and ground staff).

Practical design features include pre-tied scarves, pen pockets and fixed-position badges. New platinum wings, tie and scarf pins, and wallets have been created, along with belts, shoes and even a range of cabin crew luggage in mock crocodile.

Peter Morrissey said he was both honoured and thrilled to have been involved in such an important project.

"Qantas is clearly an Australian icon and a brand which is so important to this country," he said.

"It was a great honour to be asked to design the airline's first uniform for the new millennium, and it has been a fantastic experience working with both the airline and Balarinji.

"Qantas has had some great uniforms over the years. I believe my designs continue this tradition, reflecting the airline's modern attitude but at the same time including a truly distinctive Australian edge."

Balarinji's John and Ros Moriarty said that in developing the Wirriyarra textile for Qantas, they had sought to create a timeless, yet innovative blend of Aboriginal imagery and contemporary design.

"As a quintessential Australian symbol, it seemed to us that the boomerang could be a dynamic icon for all Australians to embrace within a sense of common identity," they said.

"Qantas is synonymous with the great Australian tradition of travel and adventure - we wanted Wirriyarra to reflect this passion we share for making journeys, in a uniquely Australian way."