Brussels Airlines introduces timeless uniforms by Belgian designer
Brussels Airlines' new uniforms are a dark navy blue with champagne accents
Brussels Airlines has launched its updated uniforms for cabin, cockpit and ground operations employees. In a January 18 press release, the airline said that by choosing to work with designer Gabrielle Szwarcenberg, from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, and several other Belgian brands, “the airline once again emphasizes its Belgitude.”
The uniforms are sustainably made, incorporating innovative materials such as grapes and cacti. The style guide has also been revised to be more inclusive.
The uniforms will be introduced on board and at the airport starting on March 1 and will be worn by more than 2,600 Brussels Airlines employees.
An innovative design
Brussels Airlines’ updated uniforms are a dark navy blue with champagne-colored details. The color palette and prints were designed to match the airline’s current branding, which was introduced in November 2021. Inspired by glamorous airline uniforms from the sixties, this collection features timeless silhouettes with several notable pieces, including turtlenecks and A-line dresses.
The uniforms are suitable for all body types and ages, prioritizing comfort. Some unisex pieces have been introduced in the collection along with sneakers and vegan-leather shoes.
The design process took two years, encompassing surveys, workshops and design sessions to reach the final product. The uniform was created in close collaboration with Brussels Airlines’ frontline employees, who were able to choose the final look from several designs.
“I wanted the design to be elegant and sophisticated, while prioritizing the staff’s performance and comfort. That’s why we introduce items like turtlenecks or sneakers, to make everyone comfortable. Throughout the design, you’ll also find subtle references to Belgian icons, such as the Atomium on the scarfs and on the inner lining of the blazers. I really hope the staff enjoys wearing the uniform as much as I enjoyed creating it,” said Szwarcenberg.
Belgian brands Atelier Content and Ambiorix were chosen for the uniform’s shoes to support The Royal Academy for Fine Arts in Antwerp and Szwarcenberg's image.
Introducing sustainability in design
Brussels Airlines said in its press release that all suppliers involved in the project went "the extra mile" to reduce the environmental impact of the uniforms. From BCI-certified cotton, mulesing-free wool for animal welfare and innovative materials such as leather from cacti and grapes to the packaging, everything used to make the uniforms aligns with the airline’s goals for sustainability. All production sites were screened for both sustainability and fair working conditions.
The sustainability initiative goes beyond the new look with the airline finding ways to avoid creating unnecessary waste from its existing dress code. The current uniforms will be collected and given a second life, with more details to come soon.
A more inclusive uniform policy for everyone
Brussels Airlines has also updated its style guide to become more inclusive as it introduces this timeless uniform. The airline aims to make employees feel comfortable with guidelines that should contribute to higher well-being at work of all uniformed staff members.
Part of this movement forward means that hair, makeup and jewelry guidelines will no longer be different for men and women. Moreover, make-up becomes optional for everyone and therefore no longer mandatory for women. There is no difference in gender for employee hairstyles either; hair that touches the shoulders needs to be tied up or in a bun, regardless of gender.
Tattoos will now be allowed to be shown as long as they comply with certain rules, such as the position, the size and what it represents.
“These uniforms perfectly embody everything Brussels Airlines stands for: Belgitude, a platform for young talent, sustainability and inclusion. I’m happy to see the result and can’t wait to see these uniforms live at the airport and onboard our aircraft. I would like to thank all the staff members who were involved in this monumental project,” said Tilman Reinshagen, COO, Brussels Airlines.
