SkyUp is ditching tight skirts and heels for a modern, comfortable uniform. The design incorporates subtle details that signal tradition.
Have you ever boarded a long-haul flight in a full tracksuit, only to be attended to by a perfectly manicured flight crew in tight skirts and high heels?
The uniform feels somewhat outdated in an era where people are experimenting with oversized styles for cosy, lived in aesthetics – and casual wear dominates the market to the point where Athleisure acceptably doubles as office attire.
Well, Ukraine’s largest airline SkyUp is striving to change the game in staff flight wear.
An ode to the modern woman, who prioritises functionality and comfort as much as personal style, the airline’s new uniform aims to set a fresh trend in the airline sector – a core element of its company philosophy.
This autumn, it will launch a dynamic, flexible, and stylish ‘SkyUp Champions’ uniform that adapts to current trends in fashion and lifestyle. Enter, orange pantsuits and white Nikes.
A look at the history of flight attendant uniforms created the foundation for the new concept, carried out in collaboration with Frame Fashion Consultancy.
Their research delved as far back as the 1930s, revealing that uniforms had been regularly adapted to the role that flight crews carried out.
In the last decade, a lot has changed – including women – and it seemed essential to the airline that their workwear reflects that transformation.
After interviews with SkyUp staff, a new vision of flight attendants was brought to life. What emerged was a modern woman with an adventurous, active lifestyle – a champion of her role.
In collaboration with GUDU – a chic Ukraine-based brand whose mission is promoting the power and personality of women through fashion – the uniform is made up of soft tailored suits and Italian eco-leather trench coats.
The vibrant orange fabric is accented with a silk, sky blue scarf that attaches to the epaulettes of the jacket or coat.
The pattern was designed by the GUNIA project, a brand that combines ethnographic research with an artistic approach to create bespoke pieces. It integrates a modern flair with details that nod to traditional Ukrainian culture.
High heels are swapped out for Nike Air Max 720s, which have been specially selected as they are sustainably made with a composition of more than 75 percent recycled materials.
The sneaker’s air cushioned sole will ensure comfort for flight attendants who spend the duration of flights standing or walking up and down airplane isles.
Plus, they offer more stability if the plane runs into unexpected turbulence.
Head of SkyUp Airlines Marketing Department, Marianna Grigorash said, ‘times have changed, women have changed, so in contrast to the conservative classics, heels, red lipstick and a bun, a new, more modern and comfortable image of a “champion” has appeared.’
Marianna went on to say that the uniform embodies ‘freedom, natural beauty, individuality, no patterns and sneakers in which everyone would like to fly.’
As society transforms, fashion follows. Workplace rules around appropriate attire have changed in many offices, and this should be reflected in occupations that require uniforms too.
The move by SkyUp Airlines is a thought out and stylish deviation from the norm that has the potential to pave the way for other companies to follow.
I’m sure flight crews around the world can agree, it’s about time.
I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
Several people have reported negative health reactions after being injected with botulinum toxin in the US. It’s a worrying trend that emphasizes the importance of finding reputable clinicians before getting any type of cosmetic work done.
A worrying trend is taking place across the US, raising the eyebrows of health officials and beauty practitioners alike.
At least 19 people have reported serious health reactions after being injected with botulinum toxin (the...
Never shy of causing a stir, global superstar Rihanna has drawn criticism after dressing up as a nun in her latest cover shoot for Interview Magazine – but some argue that the offended are missing the point.
Celebrities have been using religious symbolism in their work for decades and – despite frequent backlash from the public – it doesn’t seem to be slowing anytime soon.
To list just a few examples,...
The sporting giant has come under fire over its women’s Track and Field kits. The backlash is long overdue.
With the Paris Olympics just months away, major sporting brands are revealing their Olympic kits for the first time.
But Nike got more than it bargained for this week when it shared images of the Team USA Track and Field uniforms. Far from online hype, the launch triggered a swathe of...
Just two years after it prohibited animal fur, Copenhagen has announced exotic animal skins and feathers will also be banned from its fashion week runways.
Shows full of animal feathers and skins at fashion week? Groundbreaking.
That’s the stance organisers of Copenhagen Fashion Week have taken as of late, announcing a ban on collections featuring exotic skins and feathers that will begin next year.
This move has cemented Copenhagen as a...