QANTAS: High Fashion at 35,000 Feet — Rebecca Vallance to design new Uniforms

The last uniform refresh by Martin Grant was more than 10 years ago, in 2013. Today, Qantas announced that Australian designer Rebecca Vallance joins the esteemed company of Emilio Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Peter Morissey, amongst others in designing new Qantas uniforms.

After a ‘competitive pitch process’ (I’m picturing a Project Runway-style model strut in a Qantas hangar), Australia’s flying fashion house has tapped homegrown Rebecca Vallance to design its next-generation uniform.

Conveying the Martin Grant designs to last season, this is the airline’s first major wardrobe refresh in over a decade.

Cabin Couture — consult the customer

Qantas surveyed more than 17,500 staff for feedback on what was required of the designs. Durability, functionality, and comfort were the desires — like florals for Spring — groundbreaking.

That translates into more breathable, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that can survive both a long-haul red-eye and an accidental Chardonnay spill in Business Class.

Rebecca Vallance’s tray table is now in the upright position

Vallance, who’s known for her sleek silhouettes and fashion-forward tailoring, seems genuinely chuffed:

“A defining moment in my career… a huge milestone for me personally and for my brand.”

She promises something “iconic yet wearable”.

So, when do we see the new threads?

Not until 2027, darling. Because designing a uniform that meets safety standards, crew feedback, aesthetic expectations and (we hope not) goes with a pair of RM Williams boots takes three years.

2PAXfly Takeout

Qantas has done well with most of its uniform designs. I’m a particular fan of the Pucci designs, although what they had to do with an Australian airline has always remained a mystery.

The Martin Grant uniforms, I think, have been outstanding. Simple, stylish, and with that statement, pink and red. I can’t say that other than that sort of Andy Pandy oversized silhouette that she is displaying in the featured image, I can’t find anything particularly scintillating about her designs. They are, however, well-tailored and sleek. Maybe that’s enough for a Qantas uniform.