Trending
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has selected renowned Pakistani fashion designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, widely known as HSY, to create new uniforms for its cabin crew. The collection is scheduled to debut on October 31, the national flag carrier announced on Thursday.
According to PIA, the new designs will blend Pakistan’s cultural heritage with contemporary fashion. They will also reflect the airline’s focus on hospitality, passenger comfort and crew confidence.
The uniforms will make their official debut aboard PIA’s inaugural Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight from London to Islamabad. The launch forms part of the airline’s broader efforts to refresh its image under its new, consortium-led management.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan described the collection as an important step in the airline’s transformation.
“The collection marks a stylish leap forward in PIA’s ongoing transformation,” he said. He added that the designs would introduce a contemporary look while keeping passenger comfort and crew pride at the forefront.
In a post on X, the airline described the initiative as “bringing runway glamour back to the skies” and confirmed HSY’s appointment.
The move also draws on PIA’s longstanding connection with international fashion. In 1966, French designer Pierre Cardin created the airline’s pioneering A-line tunic and hood, helping establish its reputation for distinctive aviation uniforms.
During the 1970s, Sir Hardy Amies, the royal couturier to Queen Elizabeth II, also contributed his tailoring expertise to PIA’s uniform designs.
More recently, the airline’s uniform identity drew inspiration from Pakistani designer Nomi Ansari for 12 years, according to PIA.
HSY said designing uniforms for the national flag carrier was an opportunity to represent Pakistan’s identity and hospitality.
“Designing for our national flag carrier is about capturing our collective pride and the genuine warmth of Pakistani hospitality,” he said.
The designer added that the collection aimed to help crew members feel confident and comfortable while representing Pakistan internationally.
“We wanted uniforms that our crew feels extraordinarily confident and comfortable in — apparel that respects our heritage, reflects modern fashion, and tells our story beautifully in every airport across the globe,” he said.
HSY is among Pakistan’s best-known fashion designers. His work spans couture, celebrity styling and international fashion platforms.
PIA said the uniforms were developed to meet the practical demands of cabin crew duties, particularly during long-haul flights.
The designs feature breathable fabrics, ergonomic construction and structured tailoring. These elements aim to balance durability and ease of movement with a polished appearance.
The colour palette and detailing also draw inspiration from Pakistani cultural craftsmanship. At the same time, the uniforms retain practical features suited to the airline’s operational requirements.
According to PIA, the final design was selected after a competitive showcase in Karachi. Ten leading Pakistani fashion designers presented their concepts to a jury of fashion professionals and industry representatives.
The airline said the October 31 launch would introduce its refreshed visual identity to passengers. The initiative signals a new chapter focused on comfort, sophistication and national pride.
HSY’s appointment brings a prominent name in Pakistani couture into PIA’s latest image-building effort. It also reinforces the airline’s historic association with designers who have helped shape its uniform identity over several decades.
