MONTREAL — Air Canada took to the runway recently with a nostalgic look back at its uniforms over the decades.

While at the PCIAW (Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide) Fashion Show at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO 2025 in Long Beach, a team of Air Canada’s Los Angeles-based employees and Montreal-based flight attendants modelled six different looks, each reflecting various eras in the airline’s history.

The showcase not only highlighted design trends of their time but also reflected milestones in the airline’s history, from its first official uniform in 1938 to the current collection designed by Canadian fashion designer Christopher Bates.

1938: FIRST ERA

Representing Trans-Canada Airline (TCA), as Air Canada was known when it was founded in 1937, Kerem opened the show with the company’s original flight attendant uniform. “I truly love how fashionable, comfortable and professional it feels,” Kerem said. Calling it an honour to wear, Kerem described the look as feminine, elegant and beautifully detailed. Though stylish, this first version lasted only a few months before being replaced with a grey summer design and a blue winter version that remained until 1949.

1953–1964: BLUE ERA

The tailored blue uniform of the 1950s was modelled by Amber, who noted its enduring elegance. “I just loved the blue uniform! It was comfortable from the minute I put it on, and its tailored fit really made it stylish,” she said. Of all the pieces, the hat stood out as her favourite feature, adding what she called the final touch. The design was directly influenced by Christian Dior and included seasonal variations.

1969–1973: COLOURFUL ERA

Moving into the cultural shifts of the 1970s, Silvia modelled the bright uniform designed by Leo Chevalier, a pioneer in Québec fashion. “It was great but wouldn’t want to wear it today,” she said, pointing to the bold, colourful aesthetic of the era. She added that she preferred the uniform that followed in the mid-1970s, which balanced comfort with elegance. The 1969–1973 era marked a milestone as it was the first to offer pants as part of the official uniform.

1973–1978: VERSATILE ERA

Vanessa represented the next phase, a versatile line that gave employees more than 50 pieces to mix and match. Her uniform included jackets, skirts, pants, sweaters and blouses, complemented by accessories like scarves, belts, berets, umbrellas and even a rainhat! “Walking the runway in such an iconic uniform was definitely the highlight,” Vanessa said, adding that she felt proud to showcase such an integral part of Air Canada’s history.

1996–2004: MODERN-TREND ERA

The late 1990s brought a coordinated look that unified the uniforms of all Air Canada employees simultaneously. The collection debuted at a fashion show in January 1996. Tsige, who wore the design in Long Beach, appreciated its simplicity. “I really liked the dress, it was so comfortable,” she said, though she admitted the shoulder pads firmly rooted the look in the 1990s.

2017–PRESENT: TRUE-TO-BRAND ERA

Air Canada’s current uniforms, introduced in 2017 and designed by Christopher Bates, closed the show. Recognized with multiple international awards, including the NAUMD Best of the Best Award for Outstanding Uniform Design, the collection reflects the brand’s contemporary identity. “Walking to the stage representing the actual Air Canada uniform, it was an honour for me,” said Veronique, who wore the design she continues to use in her daily role.