Air New Zealand unveiled its stunning new uniform last month and the international fashion designer behind it is Samoan Emilia Wickstead
Given the extraordinary task of designing the new uniform two years ago, Emilia says the garments are anything but a uniform, unveiling the new look and reflecting patterns of the past, present and future.
“So we have the Matariki stars which are actually embroidered onto all of the sleeves of the shirts, the dresses, everything. And the idea behind that was I wanted it to feel or to talk to growth and renewal and also about wellness,” Emilia says.
“And also a reminder, you know, we celebrate every year the day of Matariki and I think it’s really important that you can sort of wear your heart on your sleeve almost, like, look down to your sleeve and remember, and think about all of those things.
“You know; new harvest, renewal, resilience. It’s very spiritual.”
Emilia entrusted the help of London based Ta Moko Artist, Te Rangitu Netana, with the task of creating bespoke hand-painted prints rich in Māori symbolism.
“It was very important for us to work with the crews and try to emphasise and support and empower them in their work and their practice that they represented Aotearoa,” he says.
“They represented our people, New Zealand and a great thing for change as well.”
Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran had nothing but praise for the new uniform
“To be able to have a uniform that can adapt to, you know, the culture that we’re working within, I think it’s fantastic,” Foran says.
“The job that Emilia and Te Rangatu have done, I think it’s exceptional.”
Emilia’s clientele boasts A-list celebrities and Princess Catherine the future Queen of England. Her latest work has impressed those that will be donning the garments on a daily basis
“I think when I first put it on, I felt like it was my grandmother’s korowai,” Says Air New Zealand Inflight Service Manager Tom Tukiri.
“It made me feel like I was six-foot! It actually gave me more of an identity, a personal identity.”
And it was a personal touch, Emilia intentionally created, adding a bit of her Samoan heritage in the ‘Ie Faitaga’ that the male flight attendants will wear on the Pacific routes.
“When I designed the uniform, I automatically put it in. I didn’t really think otherwise. And so that’s the honest truth of how it came about,” Emilia says.
Born in Auckland, Emilia has an old photo album dedicated to her high school days competing at the ‘Polyfest’ schools cultural festival.
“I still remember when I was part of the Polyfest and practicing our routine and coming together with everybody that was part of that group. And what that meant to me.
“And I can still feel it and I can still remember it. And I just think I just feel how lucky am I, that I have this heritage that I have, this community and that I could be part of something like that.”
Now based in London with her family, Emilia says coming home to Aotearoa to her family keeps her grounded.
“It’s really important. And, you know, my Dad’s not here, but he’s here in spirit and all of my family and my father’s brother, all my cousins are here tonight. And that’s very important to me. And it’s very important to represent, you know, where I come from.”
