The Barcelona-based womenswear designer, Teresa Helbig has been chosen by Spanish flag carrier, Iberia as the new designer for a uniform collection which will be worn by over 6,500 of its front-line employees including cabin crew. Announced at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Madrid, the airline says Helbig will design a uniform which is not only “serene, sophisticated, and elegant” but also “functional”.
The new design, which will be rolled out to all the airline’s employees worldwide next January, is the last step in a major rebranding of the often-maligned national carrier which it started back in 2013. Sketches of the new look reveal what Helbig describes as a “sober” design which is light, neat and modern – but not attached to current trends which could quickly age.
“Iberia is a challenge for us and in which we precede designers who we admire,” Helbig said after it was announced that she had beaten 29 other designers who had put forward proposals to lead the project.
“We have created our proposal from emotion because flying and design are very similar: both go to materialise dreams,” the designer continued.
“We do not think in uniforms, but in garments that, besides being comfortable and functional, are flattering and maintain their style and elegance over the years and, above all, that the professionals who wear our uniforms feel proud to represent Iberia in all parts of the world.”
Famed for her classic design which involves precise sewing and tailoring, Helbig will use dark blue as the base colour of the new look, moving away from Iberia’s current grey uniform. Bright hues of yellow and red will be used as accent colours on pockets, lapels and at the waist – symbolising Iberia’s brand and the Spanish flag.
The airline says the choice of Helbig affirms its commitment to Spanish fashion. It’s brief is for Helbig to design a collection that will not only create a signature style but is also comfortable, easy to look after and perhaps importantly, machine washable.
Drawing on 1970’s folk influences, Iberia hopes the new look will turn out to be a thoroughly modern and eye-catching design that stands the test of time.
