Virgin Atlantic's cabin crew uniforms have consistently embodied the airline's bold, stylish, and slightly rebellious brand identity since its inception. The designs, often created by notable fashion figures, have evolved significantly while maintaining core elements.
The Westwood Era: Defining Iconic Style (2004-2014)
Prior to 2004, uniforms featured variations of grey and red, but the collaboration with Dame Vivienne Westwood marked a revolutionary shift:
- Signature Scarlet Red: Replaced previous darker reds with a vibrant, eye-catching scarlet, becoming the brand's defining colour.
- Sharp Tailoring: Introduced impeccably tailored, structured jackets and pencil skirts for females, projecting sophisticated authority.
- Iconic "Armour" Jacket: Featured bold notched lapels and sharp shoulders, instantly recognisable.
- Classic English Tweeds: Incorporated sophisticated purple, charcoal, and green tweeds for tailored pieces, adding heritage texture.
- Signature Red Shoes: Red heels became a mandatory and instantly identifiable element.
This period solidified the uniform as a fashion statement synonymous with the airline.
Modernisation and Evolution (2014-Present)
The current uniform, introduced in 2014, saw a significant update designed to honour the Westwood legacy while improving comfort and practicality:
- Shift to Deep Aubergine: Scarlet red was replaced as the base colour by a deep, rich aubergine purple for jackets, ties, and knitwear, offering a more contemporary and sophisticated feel.
- Westwood's Orb Crest: Prominently features on buttons and accessories, maintaining the fashion link.
- Enhanced Fabrics & Fit: Utilises lighter, stretchier fabrics, 4-way stretch, and modern finishes like DWR (Durable Water Repellent) for increased comfort and durability during demanding duties.
- Functional Design: Added practical elements like detachable jacket sleeves (sleeveless waistcoat look), stretch panels under the arms, and more practical pockets. Trousers were included as a standard option alongside skirts.
- Red Accent Details: The iconic scarlet red is retained strategically as a vibrant accent on ties, scarves, waistcoat linings, stitching, and footwear.
- Expanded Range: Includes more casual knitwear pieces (like cardigans and waistcoats in aubergine) suitable for different cabin tasks and climates.
The evolution reflects a balance between iconic style and modern airline operational requirements.
