Only nurses could work as cabin crew in the '30s, and the very first in-flight uniform for flight attendants on Trans Canada Airlines was a two button, beige gabardine business suit (above) purchased off the rack at The Bay. By the the mid-50's stewardesses (as they were called then) the style sharpened up with a Christian Dior influenced, pale blue fitted collarless suit (below).
In the early '60s (below) uniforms had become a three-button boxy wool suit and white felt hat and gloves.
With the British invasion in the late '60s came a "transformation from a classical formal look to something young and modern, fresh and feminine" so says the press release. Very Bond girl. Funny, it doesn't say if the go go boots were company issue.
But that's where this story ends. The remaining decades held little fashion appeal for me. The most recent outfits launched in 2004 were chosen to reflect the colours and tones of the Air Canada fleet's interiors. Enough said.
Which is a perfect segue to mention Fashion Group's upcoming Fashion // Interiors Trend Edit on Wednesday, March 21 at Design Within Reach. For anyone working in fashion, interiors or design, this event is for you. We'll explore how trends uniquely influence both fashion and interiors. Click here for details and registration.
I wish I had known about this-would've loved to have seen it. I like looking at the history and how the uniform has evolved. In addition, I used to work for American Airlines and remember how much I wasn't in love with the uniforms. Some of the airlines have great ones though-I espeically like Porter and Korean Air.
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