The new uniforms
The new uniforms, designed by Minh Hanh as part of the airline's campaign to become a regional leader over the next five years, dress pilots and male crew in white shirts with a lotus motif, the airline logo, and the word “Van” or “Ten Thousand”, a symbol for peace and fortune, and the largely female flight attendants will wear a long dress design featuring a stylised lotus, symbolising vitality and nobility.
However, many members of the public said that the new uniforms, especially uniforms for flight attendants, were not as appealing as the uniforms they replaced.
“The new long dresses make them look like they work in a restaurant, and the new colour is faded and melancholy,” one person said.
Model Ha Anh said, “The new long dresses are ugly and plain."
The old ones
Another member of the public said, “The new uniform may make foreign passengers think badly of Vietnam’s fashion."
Some said the new uniforms for male pilots and crew were better.
Vietnam Airlines did get some credit for the change. “I’ve travelled a lot and many airlines are changing uniform designs, going for a lighter, more colourful and elegant feel for the cabin space," said Ngoc Han, who was Miss Vietnam 2010.
Designer Thuan Viet said, “People may just need more time to understand the designer’s idea.”
Vietnam Airlines pilots and attendants are wearing the new uniforms on select flights from March 3 to March 9 to gauge public opinion before making any final decision.