Uniforms' pale palette underwhelms but details will grow on us

"Underwhelmed", said the creative director, "underwhelmed" said the society commentator, "underwhelmed" said the long-time Zambesi fan.

But all agreed they loved the subtle detailing of the new design. They were just a little surprised by its pale palette.

And so was I, expecting a darker underpinning to some signature Zambesi styling.

They call it teal, but it's more like eau de nil on a cloudy day - a pale greyish blue-green, twinned with shades of stone and slate. "It didn't say enough about New Zealand," said one of the invited front-row guests.

But I'm sure the design will grow on travellers as they notice the clever Maori embroidery on the men's shirt plackets, the paua inserts on their leather belts and the prettily pale paua-print silk scarf.

Zambesi fans will also recognise the women's curved jacket front with giant buttons, and its sculpted pocket and lapel detail, which works with the nifty retro military hat and badges. The fitting tunic and dress, with scalloped neckline and oh- so-slightly contrasting turn-back cuff is beautifully rendered. Pants have no waistbands and skirts a gentle fluting for easy movement.

Men are the winners, though, with modern, slim flat-front pants and a jacket that could take them from terminal to club.

The merino wrap, a popular feature with female staff, is just a little too like a blanket you get out of the overhead locker for my liking. But it's a practical piece and with its edging by well-known Maori artist Derek Lardelli - a former Arts Laureate who also helped compose the All Blacks' new haka - it will help brand Air New Zealand as Aotearoa in the Air.