Air NZ's Zambesi-designed uniforms already drawing criticism

Air New Zealand is to reveal its first new uniform in more than a decade today - but some staff are already saying it is not particularly flattering.

While the new look is being touted as more "soft and restful" than the current corporate cut, some staff who have already seen it are less than impressed.

"It's not going to suit fat people. It fits across the bosom and hangs from the shoulder, straight down. It's got no shape to it, really," one staff member told the Herald on Sunday.

Another said she was told it buttoned diagonally across "and is a fairly square cut".

Auckland-based fashion label Zambesi won the contract 18 months ago to design the new wardrobe.

The result will be shown to 800 staff in Auckland this afternoon, and to invited guests later in the day.

The event has been eagerly awaited as one of the highlights of Fashion Week, which is being sponsored by the national airline again this year.

Staff have been given huge input into the new design, which includes about 20 mix-and-match items.

One staff member was delighted by rumours that wearing a tie would no longer be compulsory for male attendants. "It's a bit dangerous if someone grabs you around the throat, and they've got something to hang on to."

The new uniforms will be worn by more than 3000 cabin crew, pilots, frontline ground staff and Travelcentre staff, replacing those designed in 1992 and "refreshed" in 1996. They are part of a major revamp at the airline, which includes the introduction of new Boeing 777 planes.

Delivery of the new planes, which will mostly fly to San Francisco and Asia, has been held up by a strike at Boeing.

Although the new planes are expected to arrive shortly, staff won't begin wearing the new uniform until late March.

The Fashions

1961: Classic Christian Dior two-piece.

1973: New Vinka Lucas blue-green uniform.

1976: Nina Ricci uniform for international crew.

1987: Combined crew uniform by Thornton Hall.

992 New look by Barbara Lee, refreshed in 1996.

2005: Zambesi's turn.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY