The new attire for Air India cabin and cockpit crew has been revealed- and yes, they have still retained the traditional Indian sarees! But, renowned designer Manish Malhotra has infused a contemporary twist by introducing stylish pant sarees or saree pantsuits. These outfits have been designed in "three quintessential Indian colours – red, aubergine and gold, representing the confident, vibrant new India."
The Outfits:
The female crew members of the airline sported a uniform consisting of a skirt, jacket, and a hat, until 1962. The concept of having them wear sarees was introduced by the late JRD Tata, and the initial sarees were procured from Binny Mills.
When the news about the change in uniforms were doing the rounds, there were speculations that churidars might become an option for women, while male crew members could opt for suits, potentially pushing sarees to the background.
However, the only noticeable change in the uniform is that some female flight attendants have replaced the traditional petticoat with pants or trousers, providing a more comfortable and contemporary choice.
In the visuals shared on Instagram, women can still be seen wearing sarees, but with a twist – some have paired them with palazzo pants or wide-leg trousers, creating a stylish and fashionable adaptation of the traditional saree drape that accommodates the use of pants. This modification retains the essence of the saree while embracing a modern and practical approach for those who choose this alternative.
Taking to his Instagram handle, Manish Malhotra wrote, "I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the national flag-bearer and showcase the elegance and charm of Indian fashion. My aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while also embodying a modern and sophisticated look. By incorporating quintessential hues that are symbolic to India, I hope that these uniforms not only make the crew feel proud but also leave a lasting impression on the guests, representing the warmth and hospitality that India is known for."
In another post, he also shared a glimpse of the outfits.
Expressing their prode and joy of having Manish Malhotra onbpoard, Air India wrote, "We are proud to present to the world, the all-new Air India Pilot & Cabin Crew uniforms, designed by Manish Malhotra. Each design, through its colours, style and elements, represents where we come from and the window of possibilities ahead of us."