How does the relationship between design and material culture?
Emilio Pucci for Braniff International Airways (1965 and 1974)
Design is not just creating action or making but be to the same world, which has to reconcile traditions and technologies. Whatever design, it provides valuable clues as to the nature of the world and social activities. For us to function in our society, we need to develop an internal design of what things mean, of how they operate in a technological world. We must use our creativity and imagination.
“Flight Attendant Uniform (Emilio Pucci, 1967)” was designed by Alexander Girad cooperating with Emilio Pucci for the uniforms of Braniff Airplane (1967). [1] Commonly, the flight uniform purpose is important to the factor, as communication, between the airplane staff and their passengers, whether or not the communication was intended. But, the uniform image gave a more strict feeling to people in 1960th. [1] Pucci’s uniform seems more than worth it in terms of the physical aspect and the emotional aspect.
Braniff Space Bubble Hat designed by Emilio Pucci
Collection of Braniff Flight Attendant Uniforms Designed By Emilio Pucci
"Designing a uniform for Air France, France’s roving ambassador that is open to cultures the world over is a wonderful opportunity" - Christian Lacroix -
Concerning the appearance of the uniform, the design of Pucci’s uniform over began focusing on distinguishing themselves from other competitors, and uniform styles designed it more comfortable than before uniform design for wearers based on the fabric and construction. [1]
Air travel has always been painful and strained; also, flights were rough and uncomfortable during a long trip. Thus, while the design of this uniform is based on aesthetics, it’s not a stretch to think that airline apparel has come to reflect the overall tightening of flight safety.
The uniform was designed to be feminine and appealing. Also, this uniform was made of bright colors and different psychedelic prints—stripes, flowers, dots to make passengers comfortable and more relaxed emotionally during their travel.
This uniform brought current high-fashion cuts and patterns onto planes. Thus, the Pucci’s innovative design of uniform brought not only a significant synergy effect to Braniff Airplane as indirect advertisement, but also success to establish the potent symbol into the company as “The end of the plain plane.” [2]
We cannot say this design is good or bad as a flight attendant uniform; however, this design at least functionally more practical and aesthetically more sophisticated and the cutting-edge design than before. The most significant thing is that Pucci’s flight attendant uniform is still ideal in the flight uniform era.
Sources
Simone Imperato. Fashion Flower, Word Press. https://ivanbellanovablog.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/emilio-pucci-for-braniff-intl/, October 16, 2014.
Palm Springs. CA (PRWEB). https://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/02/prweb5045694.htm. Feb. 9, 2011
Image Sources