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Chinese Airline’s New Haute Couture Uniforms Puts Other Airlines To Shame
One airline in China has just elevated their dress code to new heights by providing their crew members with stylish haute couture work uniforms that seem to be taken straight out of a fashion magazine cover.
Hainan Airlines have collaborated with designer Laurence Xu who introduced the new beautiful dresses and tailored coats at the Paris Couture Week. Inspired by the ‘Cheongsam,’ a traditional Chinese dress, the flight attendant uniform features a blend between the modern Western-style clothes design and traditional Chinese art elements like cloud drawings, waves and even the Chinese mythical bird – the Roc.
“The cooperation between the airlines and Lawrence Xu is industry leading. We are not only creating a new Hainan Airlines uniform but also showing the internationalized image of our business. Especially on international routes, we would like to let passengers know that China is modern and trendy,” said Xu Fei, brand director of Hainan Airlines.
Men’s version of the designer clothes is a bit less extravagant and Western-looking, with double-breasted overcoats and smaller elements of the traditional Chinese culture.
(h/t: demilked)
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What do you think ?
Wanda Queen 7 years ago
Oooh! Is it time for the Tri-Wizard tournament again, already?! I hope Beauxbatons does better this time around.
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
That's the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw that gorgeous coat! It's a very graceful, elegant cut. I may have to make one.
Load More Replies...
Sheralyn 7 years ago
But... the stewardesses are not Chinese? I don't get it. =/ Check out Singapore Airlines - our models are all locals and we're proud of it! China seems to be ashamed of its own people sometimes.
RespectThePaiva 7 years ago
"“The cooperation between Hainan Airlines and Lawrence Xu is industry leading. We are not only creating a new uniform but also showing the internationalized image of our airline." And there is, at least, one chinese model. But if they are looking for internationalization, they have to diversify. If they traveled just in China, maybe they just would feature chinese models. It's a business decision.
Load More Replies...
DE Ray 7 years ago
I love the mantled coat, print dress and wrap-around apron for the females - but the hat doesn't seem very practical or functional. And while high heels might be visually appealing to some, I really think they aren't the best for actual working people who might have to be on their feet for hours at a time. The female jacket is just meh - hopefully it is functional, because it sure isn't decorative. The male shoes are more practical, and I've always liked a standing collar jacket. That overcoat is boring, though. The only feature to differentiate it from millions of others is deeply cuffed sleeves? Come on, guys- be bold!
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
The hat is just flat out pretty and compliments the uniforms beautifully. ALL flight attendants have hats as part of their uniforms, you just don't see them that often.
Load More Replies...
Jonathan Eatsalot 7 years ago
As if passengers care about the attire of the staff. Just take off on time and try not to beat up any passengers.
Francisco Montoya 7 years ago
Very nice and sleek stuff, but as long as your service is great, you can wear a 1935 Navy Deep Sea Diving Suit for all I care. Not really, those things are bulky and we probably wouldn't be able to hear you too well, but you get what I'm saying. :D
Ailin Chen 7 years ago
Men's style also comes from a type of traditional Chinese men's clothing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangzhuang, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_collar, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_suit. It is a very well-known Chinese men’s clothing style: http://www.qikan.com/article/B7C46783-FAEC-4721-9EA6-DDE3FC49DDBF, http://news.ifeng.com/a/20150903/44579030_0.shtml. Jackie Chan also often wears this style but in a more casual and modern fashion. I used domestic Hannan Airline once or twice a few years ago. The stewardesses were really pretty, they were extremely polite and meticulous, the service was wonderful. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. I remember in my flight there was a very old Chinese woman who was taking the plane for the very first time, and often didn’t follow the procedures during the flight, but the stewardess was quite patient with her and tried to help her and calm her down. During about two-hour flight, we even had a good full meal. I know that the selection
Ailin Chen 7 years ago
I know that the selection standard and the training for stewardess in China is very high in all Chinese airlines; but my flights with Hannan Airline was one of the best experience I had in comparison with other Chinese domestic airlines as well as international airlines. Unfortunately, I’ve never had another chance to take a flight with Hannan Airline again, but I’d really love to try again if I have the chance.
Load More Replies...
Elizabeth Phillips 7 years ago
all very swish but marks off for the high heeled shoes for the ladies
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
Almost all Asian airline uniforms include heels, although for most, they're not required when the planes are in flight. Anywhere the flight attendants are seen in public, they wear heels.
Load More Replies...
Brenda Olano 7 years ago
I love the looks! ..I wonder if they are really part of the crew? or just models wearing uniforms and posing ?
Denial Leo 5 years ago
Employees should wear the uniforms, by wearing uniforms they feel equal and grow mutually
Clemens Sehi 6 years ago
That's amazing! They will fit perfectly into the business class cabin design: https://travellersarchive.com/flyers-archive/review-hainan-business-class-airbus-a330-200-berlin-to-beijing/ What do you guys think? Cheers!
Clemens Sehi 6 years ago
That's amazing! They will fit perfectly into the business class cabin design: https://travellersarchive.com/flyers-archive/review-hainan-business-class-airbus-a330-200-berlin-to-beijing/ What do you guys think? Cheers!
Exadoor Rising123 7 years ago
They look quite glamorous. It looks like they have used models for the photo shoot.
Tish Christian 7 years ago
....put that same frock on the average flight attendant and it starts looking more Sherlock meets star trek
Susan Ramsay 7 years ago
I hope they have discretion in choosing shoes. After all, they are on their feet for most of the flight, and they deserve to be comfortable.
Rich McCormick 7 years ago
Gorgeous couture but I agree, there is just one Asian woman in the pictures... where are the actual Chinese models? Weird.
Maria Wooters 7 years ago
I think they are beautiful uniforms there should be an article on very airlines uniforms to see which one is the best
Greg Solomon 7 years ago
Thoroughly impractical uniforms for cabin crew. Waste of time and money. And they should use real cabin crew, not Eastern European budget models.
Maggie Timmerman 7 years ago
Ist thing I thought of A Handmaidens Tale.. lol I like tham but that's the ist thought I had
Jenny Murphy 7 years ago
I love that this look could be attractive & flattering on all shapes and sizes for women, and the classic cut for the men's attire is also very flattering and professional. There's no need for professional to look Dowdy. This is impressive. I think we need to address the fact that professional does not mean that we have to look androgynous.
Lemonshiloh 7 years ago
As long as the uniforms are comfortable and easy to clean....why not! If the clothes can withstand stains, etc. and the employee has enough clothes to always look "crisp and professional", it's wonderful. Otherwise "fuh get about it"!
vicarious1 7 years ago
The mix of models is obvious to show that the garments can fit any size and race staff. Nothing tell us that Hainan who is like the Riviera of China may not hire western staff. There are tons of beautiful Russian ladies in China who speak fluent Mandarin #airlines #uniforms #corporate #wardrobe #hotels #airlines #cruiselines #corporations #peninsula #mandarin #holidayInn #sabena #dragonair #cathaypacific FLAGSHIa-5...62f399.gif 
vicarious1 7 years ago
In the last thirty years I always worked hard in my career to create looks that are comfortable, yet outstanding. The difficulty remains in convincing " The Board", often made of financiers that wear grey suits and don't have imagination. They only are interested in the bottom line. And that is what we Designers have to work towards. China currently empowers to be different! Bravo I love it. The coats and heels are only for show in season and not on flights I sure. HOSTSFNa-5...10fb6f.gif 
vicarious1 7 years ago
WOW finally a corporation not to be afraid to be outstanding since the creation of the signature look of Singapore Airlines. Corporate often are very conservative in their own grey suits. Coats are only extras per season or destination and often are designed to attract attention. This is one photo-shot of probably many more. China has enough beautiful tall ladies to chose from! AT "CWC" Corporate Wardrobe Consultants we have dressed many the leading Hotel Brands in the world like the Peninsula in Beverly Hills and New York, The Mandarin in Hong Kong, Sabena World Airlines, Dragon Air and Star Cruises. We appreciate how much work goes into creating that perfect Corporate Image that will please your guest on and land water or in thre skies. Wherever your market is, we will bring your product to completion with satisfaction. #airlines #uniforms #corporate #wardrobe #hotels #airlines #cruiselines #corporations http://www.visualsenses.com/crew/pict/posters/AIRPOSTa.GIF AIRPOSTa-5...a3d8ff.gif 
Rick Farrow 7 years ago
I'm pleased that an airline/company is seen trying to increase their standards as they did all those years ago when I first started travelling, rather than cutting corners and costs. I hope others follow.
Nicolas Meunier 7 years ago
This is not « Haute Couture ». Haute Couture has a very specific meaning, and this is not. For example, by definition, it’s only for women... Presenting a collection in Paris, the same week as the Haute Couture colelctions, does not give you the label ;)
RaroaRaroa 7 years ago
Thai Airways have (or did 15 years ago) the most gorgeous Thai silk uniforms the women wore onboard. But they changed into more boring outfits before landing in Thailand for some reason.
Chow-two Yves 7 years ago
If it china s uniform, why pictures in paris, non sense stupid crappy s**t ...
Panda Dover 7 years ago
So Air CHINA has new uniforms for their crew. So I wonder why only European/American models were available for modelling the clothes.
Keith Tiner 7 years ago
Referring to these uniforms as "haute couture" is like calling fast food "fine dining". The lengths to which click bait will go to grab one's attention borders on bastardization.
Allana Rose 7 years ago
The uniforms look nice, stylish even, but I cant help wondering how comfortable they are too work in. Also, do they need to be dry clean only? That can add up in costs to the employee too.
Susan Forbes 7 years ago
Not a particular fan of the pinafore or the short women's jacket but the rest of them look really sharp. And the women's coat is reversible
Stephanie Hutner 7 years ago
Maybe they should spend more money taking care of their abused animals and not worry about what their airline attendants are wearing.
Sylvia Matusikova 7 years ago
Ad "whites" Laurence Xu who introduced the new attire at the Paris Couture Week. PARIS, people, PARIS.
PJ 7 years ago
not to be one of those guys who make every thing an issue of race...but why is it that for a chinese airline, the models are white lmao. what a broken industry.
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
They're models - and probably chosen because the clothes fit.
Load More Replies...
darknessIsMyOutfit 7 years ago
Very pretty it must be nice to be able to go to work looking like a goddess those codes are incredible and the dresses are very pretty too in the men look just as handsome as the women beautiful it must be a wonderful place to work
darknessIsMyOutfit 7 years ago
Coats not codes. Speech to text doesn't like to function and I'm way too lazy to type
Load More Replies...
Revgirl2017 7 years ago
Well now where do u think that cost is gonna be passed on to...hmmm baggage fees, more expensive food, increase fares..Put them in sweat pants for all I care nd drop airlines prices nd fees
Gottlob Frege 7 years ago
"Men’s version of the uniform is a bit less extravagant and Western-looking" I'd rather say "indian look" ...
Janice Foster 7 years ago
Bit obnoxious that so few of the models have typical Chinese features - it is a Chinese airline, after all!
Wanda Queen 7 years ago
Oooh! Is it time for the Tri-Wizard tournament again, already?! I hope Beauxbatons does better this time around.
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
That's the first thing that popped into my mind when I saw that gorgeous coat! It's a very graceful, elegant cut. I may have to make one.
Load More Replies... Sheralyn 7 years ago
But... the stewardesses are not Chinese? I don't get it. =/ Check out Singapore Airlines - our models are all locals and we're proud of it! China seems to be ashamed of its own people sometimes.
RespectThePaiva 7 years ago
"“The cooperation between Hainan Airlines and Lawrence Xu is industry leading. We are not only creating a new uniform but also showing the internationalized image of our airline." And there is, at least, one chinese model. But if they are looking for internationalization, they have to diversify. If they traveled just in China, maybe they just would feature chinese models. It's a business decision.
Load More Replies... DE Ray 7 years ago
I love the mantled coat, print dress and wrap-around apron for the females - but the hat doesn't seem very practical or functional. And while high heels might be visually appealing to some, I really think they aren't the best for actual working people who might have to be on their feet for hours at a time. The female jacket is just meh - hopefully it is functional, because it sure isn't decorative. The male shoes are more practical, and I've always liked a standing collar jacket. That overcoat is boring, though. The only feature to differentiate it from millions of others is deeply cuffed sleeves? Come on, guys- be bold!
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
The hat is just flat out pretty and compliments the uniforms beautifully. ALL flight attendants have hats as part of their uniforms, you just don't see them that often.
Load More Replies... Jonathan Eatsalot 7 years ago
As if passengers care about the attire of the staff. Just take off on time and try not to beat up any passengers.
Francisco Montoya 7 years ago
Very nice and sleek stuff, but as long as your service is great, you can wear a 1935 Navy Deep Sea Diving Suit for all I care. Not really, those things are bulky and we probably wouldn't be able to hear you too well, but you get what I'm saying. :D
Ailin Chen 7 years ago
Men's style also comes from a type of traditional Chinese men's clothing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangzhuang, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_collar, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_suit. It is a very well-known Chinese men’s clothing style: http://www.qikan.com/article/B7C46783-FAEC-4721-9EA6-DDE3FC49DDBF, http://news.ifeng.com/a/20150903/44579030_0.shtml. Jackie Chan also often wears this style but in a more casual and modern fashion. I used domestic Hannan Airline once or twice a few years ago. The stewardesses were really pretty, they were extremely polite and meticulous, the service was wonderful. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. I remember in my flight there was a very old Chinese woman who was taking the plane for the very first time, and often didn’t follow the procedures during the flight, but the stewardess was quite patient with her and tried to help her and calm her down. During about two-hour flight, we even had a good full meal. I know that the selection
Ailin Chen 7 years ago
I know that the selection standard and the training for stewardess in China is very high in all Chinese airlines; but my flights with Hannan Airline was one of the best experience I had in comparison with other Chinese domestic airlines as well as international airlines. Unfortunately, I’ve never had another chance to take a flight with Hannan Airline again, but I’d really love to try again if I have the chance.
Load More Replies... Elizabeth Phillips 7 years ago
all very swish but marks off for the high heeled shoes for the ladies
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
Almost all Asian airline uniforms include heels, although for most, they're not required when the planes are in flight. Anywhere the flight attendants are seen in public, they wear heels.
Load More Replies... Brenda Olano 7 years ago
I love the looks! ..I wonder if they are really part of the crew? or just models wearing uniforms and posing ?
Denial Leo 5 years ago
Employees should wear the uniforms, by wearing uniforms they feel equal and grow mutually
Clemens Sehi 6 years ago
That's amazing! They will fit perfectly into the business class cabin design: https://travellersarchive.com/flyers-archive/review-hainan-business-class-airbus-a330-200-berlin-to-beijing/ What do you guys think? Cheers!
Clemens Sehi 6 years ago
That's amazing! They will fit perfectly into the business class cabin design: https://travellersarchive.com/flyers-archive/review-hainan-business-class-airbus-a330-200-berlin-to-beijing/ What do you guys think? Cheers!
Exadoor Rising123 7 years ago
They look quite glamorous. It looks like they have used models for the photo shoot.
Tish Christian 7 years ago
....put that same frock on the average flight attendant and it starts looking more Sherlock meets star trek
Susan Ramsay 7 years ago
I hope they have discretion in choosing shoes. After all, they are on their feet for most of the flight, and they deserve to be comfortable.
Rich McCormick 7 years ago
Gorgeous couture but I agree, there is just one Asian woman in the pictures... where are the actual Chinese models? Weird.
Maria Wooters 7 years ago
I think they are beautiful uniforms there should be an article on very airlines uniforms to see which one is the best
Greg Solomon 7 years ago
Thoroughly impractical uniforms for cabin crew. Waste of time and money. And they should use real cabin crew, not Eastern European budget models.
Maggie Timmerman 7 years ago
Ist thing I thought of A Handmaidens Tale.. lol I like tham but that's the ist thought I had
Jenny Murphy 7 years ago
I love that this look could be attractive & flattering on all shapes and sizes for women, and the classic cut for the men's attire is also very flattering and professional. There's no need for professional to look Dowdy. This is impressive. I think we need to address the fact that professional does not mean that we have to look androgynous.
Lemonshiloh 7 years ago
As long as the uniforms are comfortable and easy to clean....why not! If the clothes can withstand stains, etc. and the employee has enough clothes to always look "crisp and professional", it's wonderful. Otherwise "fuh get about it"!
vicarious1 7 years ago
The mix of models is obvious to show that the garments can fit any size and race staff. Nothing tell us that Hainan who is like the Riviera of China may not hire western staff. There are tons of beautiful Russian ladies in China who speak fluent Mandarin #airlines #uniforms #corporate #wardrobe #hotels #airlines #cruiselines #corporations #peninsula #mandarin #holidayInn #sabena #dragonair #cathaypacific FLAGSHIa-5...62f399.gif
vicarious1 7 years ago
In the last thirty years I always worked hard in my career to create looks that are comfortable, yet outstanding. The difficulty remains in convincing " The Board", often made of financiers that wear grey suits and don't have imagination. They only are interested in the bottom line. And that is what we Designers have to work towards. China currently empowers to be different! Bravo I love it. The coats and heels are only for show in season and not on flights I sure. HOSTSFNa-5...10fb6f.gif
vicarious1 7 years ago
WOW finally a corporation not to be afraid to be outstanding since the creation of the signature look of Singapore Airlines. Corporate often are very conservative in their own grey suits. Coats are only extras per season or destination and often are designed to attract attention. This is one photo-shot of probably many more. China has enough beautiful tall ladies to chose from! AT "CWC" Corporate Wardrobe Consultants we have dressed many the leading Hotel Brands in the world like the Peninsula in Beverly Hills and New York, The Mandarin in Hong Kong, Sabena World Airlines, Dragon Air and Star Cruises. We appreciate how much work goes into creating that perfect Corporate Image that will please your guest on and land water or in thre skies. Wherever your market is, we will bring your product to completion with satisfaction. #airlines #uniforms #corporate #wardrobe #hotels #airlines #cruiselines #corporations http://www.visualsenses.com/crew/pict/posters/AIRPOSTa.GIF AIRPOSTa-5...a3d8ff.gif
Rick Farrow 7 years ago
I'm pleased that an airline/company is seen trying to increase their standards as they did all those years ago when I first started travelling, rather than cutting corners and costs. I hope others follow.
Nicolas Meunier 7 years ago
This is not « Haute Couture ». Haute Couture has a very specific meaning, and this is not. For example, by definition, it’s only for women... Presenting a collection in Paris, the same week as the Haute Couture colelctions, does not give you the label ;)
RaroaRaroa 7 years ago
Thai Airways have (or did 15 years ago) the most gorgeous Thai silk uniforms the women wore onboard. But they changed into more boring outfits before landing in Thailand for some reason.
Chow-two Yves 7 years ago
If it china s uniform, why pictures in paris, non sense stupid crappy s**t ...
Panda Dover 7 years ago
So Air CHINA has new uniforms for their crew. So I wonder why only European/American models were available for modelling the clothes.
Keith Tiner 7 years ago
Referring to these uniforms as "haute couture" is like calling fast food "fine dining". The lengths to which click bait will go to grab one's attention borders on bastardization.
Allana Rose 7 years ago
The uniforms look nice, stylish even, but I cant help wondering how comfortable they are too work in. Also, do they need to be dry clean only? That can add up in costs to the employee too.
Susan Forbes 7 years ago
Not a particular fan of the pinafore or the short women's jacket but the rest of them look really sharp. And the women's coat is reversible
Stephanie Hutner 7 years ago
Maybe they should spend more money taking care of their abused animals and not worry about what their airline attendants are wearing.
Sylvia Matusikova 7 years ago
Ad "whites" Laurence Xu who introduced the new attire at the Paris Couture Week. PARIS, people, PARIS.
PJ 7 years ago
not to be one of those guys who make every thing an issue of race...but why is it that for a chinese airline, the models are white lmao. what a broken industry.
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
They're models - and probably chosen because the clothes fit.
Load More Replies... darknessIsMyOutfit 7 years ago
Very pretty it must be nice to be able to go to work looking like a goddess those codes are incredible and the dresses are very pretty too in the men look just as handsome as the women beautiful it must be a wonderful place to work
darknessIsMyOutfit 7 years ago
Coats not codes. Speech to text doesn't like to function and I'm way too lazy to type
Load More Replies... Revgirl2017 7 years ago
Well now where do u think that cost is gonna be passed on to...hmmm baggage fees, more expensive food, increase fares..Put them in sweat pants for all I care nd drop airlines prices nd fees
Gottlob Frege 7 years ago
"Men’s version of the uniform is a bit less extravagant and Western-looking" I'd rather say "indian look" ...
Janice Foster 7 years ago
Bit obnoxious that so few of the models have typical Chinese features - it is a Chinese airline, after all!
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