Alaska Airlines' uniform redesign brings in fashion's top gun, Luly Yang

A high-end ballgown designer has swapped the catwalk for the runway after creating new uniforms for Alaska Airlines staff, writes Jennifer Newton for the Mail Online.

Seattle-based Luly Yang has been unveiled as the creator of the new outfits, which the US carrier said represented a fresh, modern West Coast look. And stylists MailOnline Travel spoke to hailed the designs as 'sharp' and 'very well cut'.

The new uniforms were showcased at a fashion show inside Alaska's Sea-Tac hangar, where airline employees modelled the 90 garments and accessories to thousands of other employees.

By 2019, all Alaska, Virgin America and Horizon Air staff will wear the uniforms, although they will be tested by 130 flight attendants, pilots, customer service agents and lounge employees from next week.

Designing the cabin crew uniforms is a departure for Ms Yang, who normally works on red carpet couture gowns, bridal collections and bespoke menswear.
She also has a ready-to-wear label, which includes cashmere knits and leather accessories.

But she says that working on the cabin crew uniforms was one of the most challenging tasks of her career.

Ms Yang spent two years designing and creating the uniforms and had to consider water-resistant fabrics, shirts that don't untuck from trousers and materials that move with the body.

She said: 'With 45 sizes per style and 13 very distinct work groups, this was the ultimate puzzle to solve.

'My hope is that employees feel that they were heard throughout this process, love the collection and wear their uniforms with pride.'

Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing added: 'Luly's designs perfectly capture our fresh, West Coast vibe and we're absolutely thrilled with the collection.

(Evangle Luo of TTFLY shared with you)