Riyadh Air to Bring Back Glamour of Travel with Couture Cabin Uniforms

Riyadh Air, the latest addition to the global aviation industry and owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), concluded Paris Haute Couture Week by showcasing the unique cabin crew fashion designed by Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi, the founder of Ashi Studio.

During the unveiling event at Monnaie de Paris, Tony Douglas, the CEO of Riyadh Air, emphasized that the cabin crew attire is more than just uniforms; it embodies a sense of style and sophistication that reflects Riyadh Air’s essence. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of commercial aviation, Douglas envisioned a blend of classic elegance reminiscent of iconic airlines like Pan Am and TWA, infused with a contemporary twist that encapsulates the spirit of Saudi Arabia.

Ashi, appointed as the airline’s creative director in May to craft the inaugural cabin crew uniform, drew creative influence from the 1950s and 1960s aviation era, as well as the film ‘Catch Me If You Can’ from 2002, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

The collection unveiled by Ashi featured a total of 15 ensembles for both men and women, including a range of coats, dresses, trousers, footwear, headwear, sunglasses, and handbags, offering a comprehensive lifestyle statement that exudes boldness and modernity.

The meticulously designed line exudes luxury and artistry, incorporating a custom amethyst hue inspired by Saudi Arabia’s lavender fields. The pieces include finely crafted wool and cashmere outerwear, iconic pillbox hats, statement sunglasses, and accessories that epitomize glamour and sophistication.

Expressing his enthusiasm for collaborating with Riyadh Air, Ashi shared his pride in contributing to the airline’s journey and expressed his belief that Riyadh Air will play a pivotal role in positioning Riyadh as a prominent global destination.

The fashion collection, set to be worn by Riyadh Air’s cabin crew, pilots, concierges, and airport agents upon the airline’s inaugural flight in 2025, comprises 35 outfits designed to be updated seasonally.

The event showcased a selection of 15 looks, featuring tailored suits, coats, dresses, and separates for both men and women. The designs incorporated unique details like shawl collars, curving hems, pencil skirts, and sleek tailoring, tailored in an elegant ‘electric amethyst’ for female crew members and ‘dark amethyst’ for their male counterparts.

The collection also included custom leather shoes, pillbox hats, amethyst earrings, retro-style sunglasses, handbags, and integrated hijabs, ensuring a cohesive and sophisticated appearance for the airline’s staff.

This collaboration between Riyadh Air and Ashi marks a significant milestone in the aviation and fashion industries, blending elegance with functionality and reviving the glamour of a bygone era. The partnership underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail across all aspects of the passenger experience, setting a new standard in luxury air travel.

As Riyadh Air prepares for its maiden flight in July 2025, with plans to serve over 100 destinations worldwide, the airline’s innovative approach to cabin crew fashion is poised to make a lasting impression on travelers globally, reflecting the airline’s dedication to providing a unique and memorable flying experience.