Source: Air Canada

From left to right: First era, Blue era, Colorful era, Versatile Era, Modern-trend era and True-to-brand era.

The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), in partnership with the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW), recently held its first ever PCIAW Fashion Show at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2025 in Long Beach. A team of Air Canada employees took this opportunity to give everyone a glimpse of the airline’s long history by showcasing its uniforms throughout the years. This curated runway event highlighted six different eras in Air Canada’s history: 1938, 1953-1964, 1969-1973, 1996-2004 and 2017 to present. Representing each era were Air Canada’s Los Angeles-based employees as well as Montreal based flight attendants.

1938: First era

Representing Trans-Canada Airline (TCA), as Air Canada was known when it was founded in 1937, Kerem walked down the runway proudly showcasing the very first page in Air Canada’s fashion history. “I truly love how fashionable, comfortable, and professional it feels.”

How does it feel wearing the very first flight attendant uniform? “It’s such an honour because it carries so much history. If I had to pick favourites, this one and the blue uniform stand out to me. They’re feminine, elegant, and beautifully detailed. It was a joy to wear!” Although very fashionable, this version of the uniform is the shortest lived in Air Canada/TCA’s history and only lasted from July to October 1938. It was replaced with a similar design; a summer grey version and a winter blue version starting that October until 1949.

1953-1964: Blue era?

Amber proudly represented our … blue era. How did Amber feel about the blue? “I just loved the blue uniform! It was comfortable from the minute I put it on, and its tailored fit really made it stylish.” Her favourite part of it? “The hat may have been my favourite part of this uniform, it truly added the final touch!”

This Christian Dior-influenced design had a summer version (pictured) and a navy-blue version for the winter season.

1969-1973: Colorful era

Designed by Leo Chevalier, a Québec trailblazing fashion designer, this version of uniforms from the early 70s was definitely Air Canada’s most colourful era – and a visual representation of the seventies cultural era! What did Silvia think of the uniform she modelled? “It was great but wouldn’t want to wear it today!” It was very much of its time, indeed. “I preferred the one Vanessa wore (1973-1978), it seemed very comfortable, more casual but still elegant.”

After the initial launch in 1969, an important milestone is the introduction of pants! It was the first time in Air Canada’s history that pants were included in the uniform.

1973-1978: Versatile era

Vanessa’s impression of the fashion show? “Walking the runway in such an iconic uniform was definitely the highlight! I felt proud showing off a piece of Air Canada history.” Coincidentally, the pieces she was wearing were also presented and introduced at a fashion show in Vancouver in May 1978. Cosplaying the 70s, Vanessa got to model the most versatile version of our uniforms.

Employees back then could choose from over 50 pieces of uniform, mix and match and make it their own. The list included a long-sleeved and short-sleeved jacket, five different skirts, two pairs of pants, two sweaters and four different blouses. To accessorize, they had a belt, scarves, berets, toques, folding umbrellas, leather bags and … a rainhat!

1996-2004: Modern-trend era

This new version debuted at the “New Uniform Fashion Show” on January 29, 1996. What makes this one special? It marked the first time the uniforms of all Air Canada employees changed simultaneously.

Would Tsige wear the 90s uniform today? “I really liked the dress, it was so comfortable,” she said. Aside from the shoulder pads, which are very much of their time, this version of the uniform was a very modern look for Air Canada.

2017-present: True-to-brand era

And finally, our current uniform! Imagined by Canadian designer Christopher Bates, it was recognized with a few awards including the NAUMD 2018 Best of the Best Award for Outstanding Uniform Design and the PCIAW 2018 Award for Outstanding Corporate Design. How was it for Veronique to represent her own uniform in the fashion show? “Walking to the stage representing the actual Air Canada uniform, it was an honour for me. This was a wonderful and fulfilling experience.”

These weren’t just uniforms. They were symbols of adventure, ambition and grace. Each look carried the legacy of those who wore them with pride. The show was a celebration of history, of fashion, and of the people who made it iconic. To bring them out of the archives was a very special moment for everyone involved and it was an important one: Because some symbols deserve to be remembered forever.