Air New Zealand is in the spotlight for expecting its staff to wear the world’s most hideous uniform. (It’s also in the spotlight for its Cougar advertisement, but that’s another story–talk about kicking own goals Air NZ).Not since the 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremony has there been such a hue and cry about compulsory garb, and rightly so.
It really is awful, variously described by staff as inspired by Barbie’s flock wallpaper, making us look drag queens and Austin Powers throwbacks. I cannot disagree.
Designer Trelise Cooper worked on the Air New Zealand brief of greater expression of femininity with the uniform reflective of Air New Zealand’s status as a premium carrier. Air NZ said it’s also contemporary and based on New Zealand themes. And here I was thinking NZ was all about the black and white, the Haka and the kiwi.
Sorry Trelise Cooper, you were a bit wide of the mark. Since when does Barbie pink (sorry twilight pink) and godzone green (I didn’t make that up, godzone green is a colour although godawful green might be more apt) reflect the themes of New Zealand? It’s probably more reflective of the themes of Gay Mardi Gras.
I’m also a bit unsure of the claim that it will enhance a variety of body shapes. I don’t know any woman who would voluntarily wear that print. Our female DNA tells us that black swirly hallucinogenic print + hot pink background=Totally. Unflattering. Big-arse-enhancing. Disaster. And what about the length? A 6 foot catwalk model would stuggle with that length.
Trelise Cooper, you need to take a good hard look at yourself and maybe just be a little bit embarrassed.
As for you Air New Zealand, given your history of living in a taste-desert, well you’re just clueless. Hope you have more joy ordering planes.
Loaded Web Australia
Is that a curtain she is wearing?