All Nippon Airways selects acclaimed designers for anniversary uniforms
(Left) Naoki Takizawa of NAOKI TAKIZAWA DESIGN and (right) Satoshi Kuwata, founder of SETCHU
In celebration of its upcoming 75th anniversary in December 2027, All Nippon Airways (ANA), announced that designers have been selected to reimagine its uniforms.
The uniforms, which will be worn by employees as the ANA brand's first customer impression, has been designed to thoroughly connect ANA's legacy of safety and security in the skies to the future; engage closely with customers, providing new value experiences that consistently bring smiles; and ensuring that the accumulation of these efforts will lead to joy and enrich the lives of people around the world. The uniforms will be worn starting in the second half of fiscal year 2027.
"ANA is making a significant investment in design excellence for our new uniforms, collaborating with leading designers and sports brands," said Shinichi Inoue, CEO of ANA. "Our objective is to create a design that is functional and appropriate for the nature of the work, that supports employee morale and will be globally recognized and admired by our customers. We have assembled a dedicated team to lead the uniform creation process and anticipate a productive partnership with all involved parties."
The designers for the new uniforms have been divided into three categories: Flight Operations (flight crews); Hospitality (cabin attendant and ground staff); and Functional Departments (engineers, ground handling staff, cargo and catering staff). ANA specifically chose partners that embody its brand and will together address global challenges.
The Flight Operations uniform will be designed by Naoki Takizawa of NAOKI TAKIZAWA DESIGN, who has created numerous corporate uniforms and imperial costumes. Takizawa, recognized for his view of clothing as ergonomically based product design, excels at crafting uniforms that will provide comfort and functionality for flight crew members who spend long hours in the cockpit and maintain safe flight operations.
The Hospitality uniform will be designed by Satoshi Kuwata of SETCHU, the unanimous winner of the 2023 LVMH Prize. Kuwata specializes in Bespoke Tailoring and will deliver a comfortable design that enhances ground staff and cabin attendants hospitality efforts.
The Functional Department uniform design will be created by adidas. adidas has been developing products that help athletes achieve high performance for more than 75 years. The new design will increase durability, functionality and comfort of uniforms for mechanics, ground handling staff and other employees.
They are scheduled to be worn from the second half of 2027 onward.
"I have traveled four million miles by air in my lifetime. The anticipation and excitement of visiting various countries for work and sightseeing is one of the joys of being a traveler. However, there is a part of me that is somewhat nervous. When I see the pilots confidently walking throughout the airport, for some reason, I feel an indescribable sense of security in my heart. At the departure airport, I think to myself, 'If it's these people, I'll be fine,' and at the return airport, I say a heartfelt 'Thank you.' I believe that pilot uniform design is one element of peace of mind for all travelers. I hope to establish a uniform that is loved by everyone and becomes a symbol of pride for the wearer through my design,” said Naoki Takizawa of NAOKI TAKIZAWA DESIGN.
Satoshi Kuwata, founder of SETCHU, graduated from Central Saint Martins while working for the long-established Savile Row tailor Huntsman in London. After training at Gareth Pugh, Givenchy and more, he founded SETCHU in Milan in 2020.
"I am honored to be able to design uniforms for one of Japan's leading companies. My goal is to create a design that reflects the traditional beauty of Japan while also highlighting the uniqueness of ANA. I want to create uniforms that are instantly recognizable from afar, while also being comfortable and functional, so that all employees can be proud to wear them. Through this project, we will do our utmost to deliver excitement and inspiration to as many people as possible,” Kuwata said.
