NEW DELHI, Dec 12: Today (December 12) Air India revealed the newly designed uniforms for its cabin crew and pilots, crafted by renowned designer Manish Malhotra. The female cabin crew will don ombre sarees infused with a contemporary flair, whereas their male counterparts will be attired in bandhgalas. For the cockpit crew, Malhotra conceived timeless black suits. The rollout of these new uniforms will be gradual over the coming months, making its debut alongside the introduction of Air India's first Airbus A350 into service.

The uniform for the female cabin crew showcases a ready-to-wear ombre saree adorned with intricate jharokha patterns and the Vista (the new Air India logo icon), complemented by a blouse and blazer. Described as neo-traditional, this ensemble offers versatility as the ready-to-wear sarees can optionally be paired with comfortable pants. According to the airline's press release, this decision aims to offer greater flexibility to the female cabin crew, allowing them to choose a style that resonates with them and creating a distinctive East-meets-West appearance.

The senior female cabin crew will don aubergine-to-burgundy ombre sarees paired with aubergine blazers, while their junior counterparts will sport vibrant red-to-purple sarees matched with red blazers. In contrast, the cockpit crew's uniform showcases a timeless black double-breasted suit adorned with a pattern inspired by the Vista.

Manish Malhotra expressed his goal of designing uniforms that not only encapsulate the essence of India's diverse culture and traditions but also embody a contemporary and refined aesthetic.

"I feel privileged to have been entrusted with the task of designing uniforms for Air India. Contributing to the national flag-bearer and showcasing the grace and allure of Indian fashion is truly an honor. My objective was to craft uniforms that not only reflect the richness of India's diverse culture and traditions but also exude a contemporary and sophisticated appeal," expressed the designer.

In addition to the uniforms, the designer has carefully selected footwear to complement the attire. Female cabin crew will don dual-tone block heels in black and burgundy, while their male counterparts will sport comfortable black brogues. The uniforms for women also incorporate pearl earrings and sling bags.

Manish Malhotra has extended his design expertise to create uniforms for Air India's ground staff, engineers, and security personnel; however, these designs are still awaiting their official unveiling.