Australian Fashion Designer Martin Grant will create new uniforms for 2,500 Qantas domestic, regional and international pilots.
Martin Grant was born in Melbourne Australia and launched his first ready-to-wear collection 30 years ago in 1982. He has received numerous accolades and fashion awards for his designs. He is based in Paris and is internationally recognised for his bespoke tailoring, simplicity of lines, and timeless silhouettes. His collections are sold in Australia, Japan, France, New Zealand, Italy and the United States.
Two years ago Martin designed the airline’s cabin crew and ground staff uniforms. The new pilot uniforms reflect modern Australian style as well as the positive things happening at Qantas, according to Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.
A key part of the design process will be asking the pilots what they would like to see in the new design. There has been an increase in the number of women pilots and hence the design of the female uniform will also be a focus. Early feedback from Qantas pilots have revealed that they want to retain the traditional image but give it a modern makeover to be more elegant and more wearable. Female pilots hope for a more feminine line.
Over the next few weeks Martin will host focus groups with representatives from the pilot community to get their feedback on what they would like to wear in terms of design, practicalities and comfort. He will also get a better understanding of the dynamics of the pilots’ working environment while getting inspiration across the airline’s domestic and international network.
The new uniforms are expected to be on the pilots’ bodies in 2016.
