The airline announced today it will work with the designer to update the uniform, which will be revealed in late 2024. The process will involve design refinements, onboard trials, and uniform wearer consultation before being finalised.
The distinctive current uniform, that includes koru-patterned designs, was created by New Zealand designer Trelise Cooper and has been worn by Air New Zealand staff since 2011. Previous Air New Zealand uniforms have been created by Kiwi designers Zambesi, Barbara Lee and Isabel Harris of Thornton Hall as well as international labels Nina Ricci and Dior.
Wickstead was one of 40 New Zealand designers to express interest in the role and the final decision was made after a rigorous pitch process in which those vying for the role were asked to consider key selection criteria including sustainability, functionality, safety, and te ao Māori.
The designer gushed it was a privilege to be selected to create the new uniforms that will eventually be worn by more than 5,000 Air New Zealand cabin crew, front of house ground staff, and pilots.
“I could not be prouder, or more excited,” she said in an announcement. “This is a true passion project for me; one that further connects me with my homeland Aotearoa, and the community and places that I love.
“My approach to the uniform centres around a deep respect for New Zealand’s cultural heritage. First and foremost, it is inspired by people. I’m a big believer that clothing can be transformative, uplifting and empowering, and my hope is that the new uniforms will instil a sense of pride and purpose in Air New Zealand’s incredible, world-class team.”
View this post on Instagram
She explained her brand’s designs have a timeless quality, with simple yet effective details that lend fresh modernity and ease, saying it was important to her that the new uniforms were an extension of this. She promised they would also be “tempered with creative twists and innovation to create a distinctive uniform that will stand out for years to come.”
Wickstead is known for her successful eponymous brand that turns out elegant and timeless designs with a focus on meticulous tailoring, and block colours, beloved by celebrities and royals alike.
Both Princess of Wales Kate Middleton and Megan Markle have worn Wickstead’s feminine designs with Kate regularly turning to the designers refined and elegant dresses for her official events.
One of Kate’s most noteworthy early appearances was during her pregnancy with Prince George where she wore a bespoke maternity dress in ice blue tailored along the 1960s fashionable line.
More recently she wore a buttercream yellow during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
Memorably, Megan Markle captured the attention of the world in a stunning emerald-green Emilia Wickstead dress with built-in cape during her final appearance as a Royal. Markle matched the shift dress with a William Chambers fascinator as she appeared alongside husband Prince Harry at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2020.
Wickstead featured on the cover of STYLE’s Summer 2021 issue alongside fellow London-based Kiwi, jeweller Jessica McCormack.
