Emirates has showcased and outlined the evolution of its iconic red, beige and cream uniform that is now easily recognized from any airport around the world.
The Dubai-based carrier took to Instagram and YouTube to spotlight its various uniforms through the decades, showing the different iterations and versions up until the present day.
1985: The first uniform
Emirates’ first uniform saw 80 crew members dressed in the brand’s red and gold colors. Female employees wore sandy-beige jackets with red trim and shoulder pads, knee-length skirts, cream shirts, and red ribbon bows at the neck. The red hat featured the Emirates Arabic logo, while a white scarf had seven folds representing the seven Emirates of the UAE. Male employees wore grey suits with red ties and gold badges.
1987: adding cultural touches
The uniform was fully refreshed, with a jacket featuring gold buttons, a longer skirt, and a white shirt with an Emirates logo pattern. Gold details in the uniform symbolized the connection to Dubai’s history and the plane design. A lighter ‘Summer Safari’ dress was added for hot weather and warmer seasons, with shoulder pads and a red belt. First Class female crew also wore traditional Arabic ‘Thoub’ dresses when serving Arabic coffee and dates.
1997: Working with Paco Rabanne
Spanish designer Paco Rabanne brought a modern 1990s look to the uniform while keeping the beige and red colors. Female employees’ uniforms included updated cuts with a fitted skirt, round-neck shirt with logo print, plus slim jacket with a stand-up collar. Brown accessories replaced earlier models. Male employees wore navy blue jackets with beige pants. By this time, Emirates flew to 44 destinations with 1,500 cabin crew.
2008: Creating the signature look
When Emirates received its first Airbus A380, the uniform changed to mark the milestone. Female employees’ suits added thin stripes, four pleats showing red fabric underneath, plus red trim. The hat was redesigned, with the logo placed like a wing. Accessories became maroon red. Male employees’ uniforms featured chocolate-brown stripes with red trim, cream shirts, and striped ties in gold, brown and red. The airline now had 11,000 cabin crew flying to 99 cities.
2023: More choices
It was this year that Emirates gave female crew the option to choose from 15 different leather shoe styles made in Spain, in different heights, widths and shapes. The newest accessories include brighter red leather bags and belts that matched the uniform’s red details.
