HONOLULU, June 30, 2016
/PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Airlines has enlisted two renowned
fashion collectives in Hawai'i and Japan to create the airline's first new
uniform since 2008. Starting this month, Hilo-based design studio Sig Zane Kaiao and
Japanese design consultants Tetsu
Nishiyama and Mikiko
Nishiyama of the label DESCENDANT will collaborate on
uniforms for more than 5,000 employees across all of Hawaiian's
work groups including Airport Customer Service, Cabin Service,
Flight Division (pilots), In-Flight (flight attendants),
Line Service, Maintenance, Ramp, and
Supply.
"As Hawaiian has grown and broadened its network, we've stayed
rooted in the values of Hawai'i that make us strong," said
Avi Mannis, senior vice president of
marketing for Hawaiian Airlines. "Our new uniform will remain
connected to our culture and at the same time present a bold,
forward-looking sense of style reflecting the global, cosmopolitan
cities we serve."
Along with a committee of 40 Hawaiian employees, this design
hui (or collective) will participate in the uniform project,
which includes a rigorous review of each garment's functional
requirements.
"While each of our designers is renowned in their own realm of
fashion, the really exciting part of this process comes from the
dynamic collaboration and exchange of ideas," added Mannis. "We
want every employee, from the hangar to the cockpit, to feel a
sense of pride when they wear their uniform. We're thrilled to see
what this design hui brings to life for our employees."
Sig Zane Kaiao is the design studio of legendary Hawai'i artist
and textile designer Sig Zane. Led by Kūha'o Zane, each design
reveals a deep understanding and strong connection to traditional
Hawaiian culture. The studio created the striking livery adorning
Hawaiian's 'Ohana by Hawaiian aircraft with a traditional kapa
pattern symbolizing ancestry, family and transportation.
"We're honored to partner with Hawaiian Airlines for this
momentous project," said Kūha'o. "Hawaiian is an iconic local brand
with a rich history, and we want to create a truly unique and
timeless design. Working first hand with the people who wear these
uniforms every day will help us achieve our goal and bring the
design story to life."
Husband and wife design duo Tetsu
Nishiyama and Mikiko
Nishiyama are standouts in Tokyo's bustling creative scene. Their
minimalist and structured approach merged with Sig Zane's bold
graphical designs represent the perfect marriage of East and
West.
"I was very touched by how proud island residents are of
Hawaiian Airlines and its history," said Tetsu. "It's one of the
main reasons that I decided to join this project."
Mikiko added, "I believe there are strong similarities between
Hawaiian and Japanese cultures – both are extremely dedicated to
caring for their people and land. Tetsu and I are pleased to
partner with Hawaiian Airlines and work together, as 'ohana, toward
the same goal."
Hawaiian Airlines has entrusted industry leader Affinity Apparel
to develop and manufacture the uniforms, which are set to launch in
late 2017.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian® has led all U.S.
carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 12 years
(2004-2015) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel +
Leisure and Zagat have all ranked Hawaiian the highest
of all domestic airlines serving Hawai'i.
Now in its 87th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is
Hawai'i's biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the
largest provider of passenger air service from its primary visitor
markets on the U.S. Mainland. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to
Hawai'i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline,
along with service from Japan,
South Korea, China, Australia, New
Zealand, American Samoa and
Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 160 jet flights daily
between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 200 daily
flights system-wide.
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings,
Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at
HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow updates on Twitter about Hawaiian
(@HawaiianAir) and its special fare offers (@HawaiianFares), and
become a fan on its Facebook page (Hawaiian Airlines).
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SOURCE Hawaiian Airlines