Mart Visser to design new KLM uniform

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will introduce a new ladies’ uniform for its 11,000-plus cabin and ground personnel, as well as for female pilots serving KLM and KLM Cityhopper. As of April 2010, they will wear uniforms created by Dutch fashion designer Mart Visser.

KLM feels the time is ripe for a new ladies’ uniform that reflects current trends in couture. The uniform will retain the KLM blue colour introduced in 1971. “We are proud of the staff who bring the blue of our airline to life,” said Peter Hartman, KLM President & CEO. “By making this investment under the prevailing economic circumstances, we underscore our faith in the future and in the KLM brand.”

The selected designer’s philosophy closely matches that of KLM. Mart Visser: “I see corporate uniforms as a company’s statement to the outside world. The wearer should feel comfortable in my creation, further strengthening the KLM image.”

Mart Visser’s designs are functional and timeless, displaying his signature style, which may be characterised as fresh, open and confident. “The great thing about my design is that it will contribute to the wearer’s sense of pride and pleasure. This will have a positive effect on passengers travelling with KLM, which is exactly what we hope to achieve.”

The current planning is to present the entire collection in October 2009. The new uniform will become visible on the ground and on board in April 2010. The existing ladies’ uniform was presented in 1990. Mart Visser’s design will be KLM’s 10th ladies uniform since the first was introduced in 1935. The new men’s uniform, introduced in 2000, was designed by Oger.