Air New Zealand has tapped a royal favourite to design new crew uniforms, but Maori designers miss out.
Royal favourite Emilia Wickstead has been given the all clear by the national carrier of her homeland to prepare Air New Zealand’s next wave of uniforms for take off.
“This could have been an opportunity to engage with our cultural heritage and evolve its branding based on its cultural richness,” says Luke, who is a fan of Wickstead’s work. “This missed opportunity becomes all the more conspicuous against the backdrop of the current climate in New Zealand’s fashion industry, where there is a growing emphasis on cultural awareness and inclusivity.”
“Without saying too much it will be a huge tribute to Maori culture,” Wickstead says. “There will be a lot of meaning behind small details.”