Evolution of Air India glamour.

In 8 June 1948, when first Air India international flight took off and so did the aviation industry bloom in India. Air India and Indian Airlines were the only two corporations in the earlier days and owned by Indian government.

When you think of Indian airlines only thing that comes to most of our minds are elegant and gracious saree donned air stewardess, but Saree glamour came much later with Air India. Initially when airlines started the operation most of the crew were from Anglo-Indians, Parsi or Catholic families. It was considered to be glamorous , bold and very modern occupation for traditional Indian families.

Air hostess wore tailored skirt and blouse with angled pillbox hat for the first international flight from India to London.

By 1960, Air India had a influx of elite travelers, they were committed for better service and experience on board. Air hostess were handpicked and had impeccable training which also saw them donning silky kanchivaram sarees with bouffant.

70s and 80s saw more glamour and growing popularity of Air hostesses in India who were very first “it girls” of Indian society. They now wore ghagra-choli and colorful salwar suits and were epitome of Indian beauty for International travelers.

As with 2000’s when the economy air travel was seeing steady growth in India and many new airlines companies coming into play, the glamour and glitz was now ramping down with affordability for broader audience and frequency in flights. The uniform was then designed for practical and comfort of the crew with crisp cotton saree, sleek bun and minimal jewelry.

With changing times and many airlines coming into domestic as well as International market, there is a modernity in aviation fashion but the Air India glamour would always remain as classic and epitome of ultimate standard of fashion on air.