Behind The Scenes At Virgin America’s New Uniform Project

So if you haven’t heard about the fairly radical new uniform for Virgin America, being launched across their fleet 8th August this year, here’s a cool behind the scenes look at their new uniform, designed by San Fran neighbours Banana Republic. It’s great to see the attention of detail that goes into the design of the product, and the involvement of so many creative people. Whilst the images that have come out haven’t shown the full range of the product or the quality and detail of the product, I’m already a huge fan.

On the net there has been some furious discussion, some for this slightly more chic and relaxed look, and some heavily against them due to the fact it doesn’t look professional enough. Virgin has always been a game changer, and has an ethos of teamwork, and the focus of the airline has always been on people and product, rather than the bottom line. Their whole inflight team is exactly that, a team. It’s less heirarchical in composition, and whilst the infrastructure still is there, they’ve wanted to do away with the captain and cabin crew concept, as each member has a vital role and is equally important on the aircraft. A relatively new concept in aviation, but still being taught throughout the industry now as the way forward. This uniform really reinforces that ethos. Personally, as a pilot, I’m excited to see a uniform that doesn’t sport a baggy shapeless white shirt as the only option too.

My one concern is that in an emergency it will be difficult to work out who is a passenger and who is a crew member, but that doesn’t mar the sexy and sophisticated look of this wonderful new uniform. Can’t wait to see yet another successful Virgin brand uniform walking through a terminal soon. What do you think?