The debut of air hostesses in the Air India fleet in 1946 marked the arrival of the first wave of glamourous and genteel women, including iconic figures like Maureen Wadia, Parmeshwar Godrej, and singer Asha Puthli. These original “it girls”, epitomising grace, captured the admiration of many as they jet-setted across continents, indulging in a lifestyle only a select few could afford. Their influence permeated the country’s fashion landscape, leaving an indelible mark, starting with the signature Air India saree pleat. In this story, we navigate through the style evolution of Air India’s cabin crew uniforms, from the ’40s European influences to the present-day ensembles crafted by the adulated designer Manish Malhotra.
Air India cabin crew’s uniform: A timeline dictated by style and culture
Early days and the iconic 1940s uniform
Conceived by JRD Tata, Air India started operations as a public limited company following World War II. In the ’40s, the first uniform showcased European nuances with a pinafore dress and tilted beret-style caps. The Westernised livery carried into the ’50s, flaunting sharp hems and crisp collars.
During this golden era, most air hostesses sashaying these uniforms and creating waves in the fashion industry were either Anglo-Indians or European. The uniforms of these decades mirrored the style sensibilities of international carriers.
Into the 1960s: Introducing saree as part of the exoticisation project
In the 1960s, Air India was committed to positioning India as an “exotic tourist destination”, employing advertising strategies in international publications to achieve this goal. This era coincided with Air India acquiring its first-ever Boeing 707, making it the perfect time to give the airline’s image a fitting facelift.
During this period, the uniforms took a distinctive detour from Western influence to a more Indianised persona. Air India introduced two uniforms: the ghagra choli and saree. Consequently, the airline started hiring more Indian women to represent the face of the brand. The uniform featured Kanjeevaram silk sarees complemented by suave leather bags and the esteemed bouffant hairstyle. The ’60s witnessed various modifications in the uniform, including the introduction of alternate-printed sarees and the debut of the salwar suit.
Rolling with the times: The Air India uniform gets a groovy revamp in the ’70s
The 1970s embraced shape-shifting pop culture, marked by the Beatles, bold fashion, psychedelics, and disco fever. In sync with the cultural fervour, Air India reimagined its cabin crew uniform with vibrantly hued and boldly printed sarees. Paisley and florals combined with shades of orange and green, unleashing the groovy grace of the uniforms.
Towards a muted makeover in the 1980s
After JRD Tata’s removal by Morarji Desai’s Janata government, Air India’s uniform underwent another complete makeover, this time adopting a more muted aesthetic. Subdued prints and tints persisted for a decade, eventually giving way to colourful floral fabrics in suits and sarees during the 1990s.
Changing gears in the 2000s
One of the most iconic uniforms in Air India’s history was the red, white, and black sarees worn by the cabin crew in the 2000s, which continued until 2015. Briefly replaced by bright yellow sarees with red prints and patterns, this change brought a welcome breeze of change, one with youthful energy and vibrancy. In 2019, the uniform underwent another transformation, featuring beautiful red and blue sarees with a forest green border.
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Manish Malhotra collaborates with Air India: Spotlighting the newfangled 2023 uniforms
On December 12, 2023, Air India unveiled its all-new uniform for cabin crew and pilots, crafted by ace designer Manish Malhotra. This time, the sarees embraced resplendent reds, deep purples and gilded hues, striking a seamless balance between vibrancy and sophistication. Boatneck blouses complemented the sarees, and saree-style pantsuits made a stylish entry.
(Feature Image Credit: @airindia/Instagram)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– When was the first Air India cabin crew uniform introduced?
The Air India cabin crew uniform was first introduced in 1946.
– How has the Air India cabin crew uniform evolved over the years?
The Air India cabin crew uniform has evolved by leaps and bounds over the years. From European trappings in the ’40s and Kanjeevaram silk sarees in the ’60s to saree-style pantsuits in 2023, the cabin crew attires have witnessed major shifts through the years.
– How often does Air India update its cabin crew uniforms?
There is no fixed period/interval after which the airline updates its uniforms. While some uniforms have lasted 15 years, the others were replaced within five years.
