Cabin crew uniforms have evolved dramatically over the years. While some crews get to wear fashionable uniforms created by household names that enhance their professional image, the carriers often try to send out multiple messages. Some embody the spirit of the company or the nationality of the carrier, while others are simply responding to the business strategy.

Hainan Airlines have collaborated with designer Laurence Xu who introduced the new attire at the Paris Couture Week on 4 July. Inspired by the ‘Cheongsam’, a traditional Chinese dress, the uniform features a blend between the modern Western-style fashion trends and traditional Chinese art elements like cloud drawings, waves and even the Chinese mythical bird – the Roc.

Men’s version of the uniform is a bit less extravagant and Western-looking, with double-breasted overcoats and smaller elements of the traditional Chinese culture.

The collection is part of Hainan Airlines’ bid to improve and expand. Currently China's largest civilian-run airline, Hainan is looking to double the number of international flights taking off from China's second-tier cities, according to Bloomberg.

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.

(Courtesy:Independent, CNN, Traveller, SCMP)