Hainan Airlines' new cabin crew uniforms are stylish, elegant: In-flight couture

Hainan Airlines' has unveiled its new cabin crew uniforms and it's airline fashion on point.

The new designs are among the most beautiful uniforms the industry has seen. Not since Etihad introduced its Ettore Bilotta-designed uniforms in 2015 has there been so much excitement or glamour surrounding in-flight couture.

Hitting the runway at the Paris Couture Week Fall/Winter 2017, the Chinese airline's new uniforms, designed by Laurence Xu, are an aesthetic fusion of East and West. The uniforms combine the look of the Cheongsam, a traditional Chinese dress for women usually worn on formal occasions, with a Western-style suit.

It's the fifth time the airline, which was founded in 1993, has redesigned its uniform. The latest design retains the airline's signature grey tones paired with a blue and white print of clouds, sea and mountains. According to the airline, the new print reflects a Hainan aircraft that has just taken flight and features "the roc", a mythical bird denoting strength in Chinese culture.

The new uniforms are stylish and elegant; and a large indication that the airline may be changing its vision and strategy to become a more sophisticated airline brand.

Hainan Airlines last redesigned its uniform in 2010. At the time Hainan was aiming to become one of the world's most prominent carriers with a uniform to match – corporate, polished and professional.

Hainan Airlines was ranked the world's ninth best in this year's World Airline Awards, along with coming 10th in the best cabin staff rankings. The airline currently flies four routes between Australia and China – Sydney to Changsha, Sydney to Xi'an, Melbourne to Changsha and Melbourne to Xi'an.

See also: Cheap flights to Europe as more Chinese airlines start Australia routes

See also: The truth about being a flight attendant