All Nippon Airways (ANA) Group will be simultaneously updating the uniforms of its 13,000 front-desk staff this winter. In advance of the change, the company unveiled the new uniforms on April 24th. This marks the first time ANA has changed its uniforms in 10 years. The designer is Prabal Gurung, currently based in New York and known for his work on costumes for U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. This marks the first time a foreign designer has been hired for ANA's uniforms. The new uniforms, based on the keywords "joy," "passion," and "excitement," have an elegant feel with a gray base. ANA's signature blue stripes are featured on the sleeves and back. Furthermore, while maintaining a unified overall look, the uniforms are designed to reflect the entire passenger experience, allowing each staff member to express their own unique style. The female flight attendant uniforms feature blue stripes on the back of the jacket and skirt, and male flight attendants will also wear ties in ANA colors designed by Gurung. The design pursued an elegant image evocative of ANA's high-quality service.
Female ground staff were provided with blouses and aprons. The three-quarter-sleeve blouses were feminine with a tweed pattern. Meanwhile, the aprons featured a dress-like design that accentuated feminine lines. The vests featured round collars and tucked waist pockets for a soft impression. The jackets featured a blue stripe at the collar, emphasizing the ANA identity. Male staff wore button-down shirts for ease of movement. The jackets featured pockets to differentiate them from flight attendants.
ANA Chairman and CEO Shinichiro Ito commented, "We asked Grun to design a wonderful uniform that embodies the spirit of the world, befitting a five-star airline." Managing Director Hiroko Kawamoto said, "With 'challenge' as our keyword, we hope the new uniforms reflect the ever-changing ANA."
ANA figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu also appeared from an airplane at the event. He descended the stairs while striking a figure skating pose. Hanyu, who often travels to competitions on ANA planes, said, "I was familiar with the uniforms I've worn up until now, but the impression has changed quite a bit. The blue lines are eye-catching, so I think it's a uniform that you won't forget at first sight."
