Hawaiian Airlines Partners with Sig Zane and Japanese Fashion Icons for New Uniform Designs

HONOLULU, June 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawaiian Airlines has enlisted two renowned fashion collectives in Hawai'i and Japan to create the airline's first new uniform since 2008. Starting this month, Hilo-based design studio Sig Zane Kaiao and Japanese design consultants Tetsu Nishiyama and Mikiko Nishiyama of the label DESCENDANT will collaborate on uniforms for more than 5,000 employees across all of Hawaiian's work groups including Airport Customer Service, Cabin Service, Flight Division (pilots), In-Flight (flight attendants), Line Service, Maintenance, Ramp, and Supply.

"As Hawaiian has grown and broadened its network, we've stayed rooted in the values of Hawai'i that make us strong," said Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing for Hawaiian Airlines. "Our new uniform will remain connected to our culture and at the same time present a bold, forward-looking sense of style reflecting the global, cosmopolitan cities we serve."

Along with a committee of 40 Hawaiian employees, this design hui (or collective) will participate in the uniform project, which includes a rigorous review of each garment's functional requirements.

"While each of our designers is renowned in their own realm of fashion, the really exciting part of this process comes from the dynamic collaboration and exchange of ideas," added Mannis. "We want every employee, from the hangar to the cockpit, to feel a sense of pride when they wear their uniform. We're thrilled to see what this design hui brings to life for our employees."

Sig Zane Kaiao is the design studio of legendary Hawai'i artist and textile designer Sig Zane. Led by Kūha'o Zane, each design reveals a deep understanding and strong connection to traditional Hawaiian culture. The studio created the striking livery adorning Hawaiian's 'Ohana by Hawaiian aircraft with a traditional kapa pattern symbolizing ancestry, family and transportation.

"We're honored to partner with Hawaiian Airlines for this momentous project," said Kūha'o. "Hawaiian is an iconic local brand with a rich history, and we want to create a truly unique and timeless design. Working first hand with the people who wear these uniforms every day will help us achieve our goal and bring the design story to life."

Husband and wife design duo Tetsu Nishiyama and Mikiko Nishiyama are standouts in Tokyo's bustling creative scene. Their minimalist and structured approach merged with Sig Zane's bold graphical designs represent the perfect marriage of East and West.

"I was very touched by how proud island residents are of Hawaiian Airlines and its history," said Tetsu. "It's one of the main reasons that I decided to join this project."

Mikiko added, "I believe there are strong similarities between Hawaiian and Japanese cultures – both are extremely dedicated to caring for their people and land. Tetsu and I are pleased to partner with Hawaiian Airlines and work together, as 'ohana, toward the same goal."

Hawaiian Airlines has entrusted industry leader Affinity Apparel to develop and manufacture the uniforms, which are set to launch in late 2017.

About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian® has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 12 years (2004-2015) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Zagat have all ranked Hawaiian the highest of all domestic airlines serving Hawai'i.

Now in its 87th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai'i's biggest and longest-serving airline, as well as the largest provider of passenger air service from its primary visitor markets on the U.S. Mainland. Hawaiian offers non-stop service to Hawai'i from more U.S. gateway cities (11) than any other airline, along with service from Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. Hawaiian also provides approximately 160 jet flights daily between the Hawaiian Islands, with a total of more than 200 daily flights system-wide.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow updates on Twitter about Hawaiian (@HawaiianAir) and its special fare offers (@HawaiianFares), and become a fan on its Facebook page (Hawaiian Airlines).

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SOURCE Hawaiian Airlines

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