Not content to debut its new Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, with their game-changing first class suites and business class seats, Etihad Airways has overnight rolled out new-look uniforms.
Designed by Ettore Bilotta, the glamourous threads pick up the same modern geometry and desert-inspired palette as the airline's new livery and brand.
With a base of warm chocolate brown, deep purple accents denote cabin crew and lounge teams while burnt orange identifies ground crews and 'special services' teams.
Female cabin crew, ground and lounge teams will wear a skirt suit, accessorised with fitted gloves, belt, scarf and a 'retro' hat which Bilotta says was inspired by the sweeping lines of the Emirati desert sand dunes.
Male cabin crew will wear a three-piece suit, and ground crew will wear a two-piece suit, topped by an optional light-weight trench coat.
All gloves, scarves and neckties feature intricate geometric patterns and fretwork.
Etihad says it's even replaced "the bold fiery make-up and lipstick tones used previously" with calmer shades provided by make-up brand MAC which complement the earthy colours of the new uniform.
The airline says it's all a perfect fit for its new fleet, "paving the way for a new age of glamorous and sophisticated flying."
The new designs were unveilled at a fashion show held as part of Etihad's momentous launch at Abu Dhabi airport and will debut from December 27.
Here are some snaps from the catwalk which showcase the uniform of The Residence's butlers.
It's a combination of historic British butler attire with Etihad's style and colour palette.
Here's the full female ensemble with everything from the trenchcoat to the iPad-sized handbag...
... and the men's equivalent.
Also read:
- Sneak peek: The Residence by Etihad private A380 VIP suite
- Up close with Etihad's new Airbus A380 first class apartments
- Photo tour: Etihad's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner first class suites
- Inside Etihad's A380, Boeing 787 Business Studio business class
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
04 Jul 2013
Total posts 22
I actually thought of AirBerlin when I first saw the new look, but stunning!
Etihad continue to raise the bar on all possible. Very impressive!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Jul 2013
Total posts 203
WOW! Just wow! Etihad are really ramping it up!
07 Aug 2012
Total posts 192
I'm actually really surprised by this uniform. Etihad's current uniform is conservative, but this is really quite fashionable!
12 Jun 2013
Total posts 732
What a pity the only camera they could find was either a 1979 Polaroid, or a teenage girl's iPhone set to apply all Instagram filters simultaneously.
10 Mar 2011
Total posts 526
I was thinking the exact same thing. The photos could look really sharp and stunning but they use a funny filter on it.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2013
Total posts 33
Bit of sepia, probably an ND to reduce the hard desert light and contrast. Looks good. Nice classy uniforms. Etihad taking it to Emirates
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
Um, if all Instagram filters were applied simultaneously, there would be multiple overlapping vignettes (think Sutro and X-Pro II) and it would be bluish (Hudson) and monochrome (Inkwell, Willow) with detail smoothed over (Lo-Fi) and possibly even have a burned spot on the middle (Toaster).
I understand your joke, but it's really quite a bit closer to #nofilter than you suggest.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 47
Looks stunning. I'm looking forward to my trip to London next year even more now!
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
16 Apr 2013
Total posts 48
Excellent review - thank you! They definitely have come a very long way recently, and a huge competitor for Emirates! Well done Etihad!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2013
Total posts 698
I really like the female uniforms, very elegant and chic. With the exception of the male butler uniform, the blokes get far more ordinary threads and really look fairly plain compared to the women. I know male uniforms are always more of an afterthought, but it would have been interesting at least try something other than a conventional and ubiquitous two/three button single breasted jacket.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Aug 2012
Total posts 2199
Have you seen VS's new kit for the blokes? It involves a waistcoat and it's very sharp.
I find it odd that there's no real push towards the wearing of a fitted, full-button jacket with a mandarin collar - surely it would be comfortable and durable enough for line duty and look smart enough for a premium carrier.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2013
Total posts 698
Yes, I was thinking along those lines. Something sweeping with clean lines and reflecting Middle Eastern influences while still retaining the jacket/trousers combo, rather than that traditional exposed V with the central horizontal break that the bog standard jacket comes with. These days male flight attendants have to be just as fit as their female counterparts, so they can get away with more fitted cuts.
Well tailored morning dress influenced waistcoats that can be worn well without jackets are, I think, also the way to go. Particularly as the jacket is mostly ditched in-flight. It dresses up the uniform, while providing more comfort and practicality than a jacket does.
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