In 2005, the airline unveiled a uniform designed by France's star designer, Christian Lacroix. It featured several innovative features. First, it was the first time pants had been used in 70 years of female flight attendant uniforms. Since the 1970s, women have worn pants in all sorts of situations, and even wearing a tuxedo instead of an evening dress has been considered fashionable. In the 1970s, All Nippon Airways (ANA) adopted a pantaloon style for its flight attendants, but it was a passing fad and never took hold. Second, 35 different items were available for coordinating. The uniform was designed with a common denominator approach that would suit everyone. However, the more coordination options available, the more personalized a style could be created. As a uniform from the country of fashion, this was possible.

Suiyo said, "Flight attendants receive annual points to replace outdated uniforms, which they can use to acquire new items every year. However, while they can freely choose their items, they must wear them according to the coordination manual. Look, it's packed with ideas," as she showed us the uniform manual.

Lacroix's distinctive flamboyant sensibility is expressed in the scarves worn around the neck, which are designed to resemble clouds. The hospitality of flight attendants dressed in uniforms that combine smartness and elegance exudes a chic French spirit.

Air France began service at Haneda Airport this spring. Now it's even easier to experience the spirit of Lacroix.

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