Emilia Wickstead, the luxury womenswear designer, has designed the new uniforms for Air New Zealand. The collection embodies the airline’s sense of pride in New Zealand and cultural heritage with bold prints, colors and intricate designs.
The uniforms are designed with bespoke hand-painted prints from ta moko artist Te Rangitu Netana.
The uniforms will be worn by 6,000 Air New Zealanders around the world. One of the key pieces is the “The Fine Print-Dress,” which features the intricate and meaningful kowhai print, which is inspired by Maori heritage and the story of Ngatoro-i-rangi, symbolizing protection, responsibility and belonging.
“The Collective Thread-Shirt” features bold prints and a tui knot neckline, designed to be worn by any crew or ground staff member. There’s also The Warp-Around trench created in the suiting violet pinstripe, a waistcoat for male crew members and ground staff, and le Faitaga, a cultural garment celebrating the rich heritage of the Pacific community. New designs for pilots include a bold pin-stripe suit, with a Kiwi feather lining, symbolizing leadership and prestige.
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The New Zealand-born Wickstead said, “Designing the Air New Zealand uniform has been an incredibly personal project for me. At the heart of it was a deep respect for the heritage and the unique identity of New Zealand’s people and land. It was essential to me that this uniform tells a meaningful story about Aortearoa (New Zealand). I wanted to create a uniform that empowers individuals and inspires pride in all who wear it and see it. For me, good design should always evoke a sense of pride and occasion, and I believe this uniform will do just that.”
“For us, this is more than just a uniform; it is a celebration of our people, our culture and our values,” said Greg Foran, Air New Zealand’s chief executive officer. “Air New Zealand has never been about standing still or blending in. As an airline, we are all about being bold, celebrating what makes us unique and celebrating our team members. This new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for — a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage and a sense of pride and belonging.”
The onboard trial begins in May. Following a period of testing and feedback from uniform wearers across the airline, the new uniforms will be rolled out across Air New Zealand’s network, beginning in 2026.
