Terminal 4 Gallery, post-security

For young women in the 1960s, the job of a flight attendant—also called stewardesses or air hostesses-- was considered glamorous and was a highly sought-after position by many who were seeking the thrill of travel.  As a rejection of the societal expectations of that era, most women saw the job opportunity to be an adventure during the interval between school and marriage.  

Flight attendants were regulated by the airlines’ strict appearance rules and their outfits began to set trends as internationally renowned designers were hired to outfit the women. Flight attendants were required to be single, below particular weight ranges, and retired by the age of 32.  With vibrant colors and playful, theme-based ensembles, some uniforms featured cosmic patterns in reaction to the ongoing Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Other uniforms reflected military-inspired aesthetics with muted colors and traditional tailoring while others channeled the glamour of the Jet Age through elegant silhouettes and refined fabrics. 

Fashion trends in the 1970s saw “hot pants” and “micro-mini” skirts of the 1960s replaced by pantsuits. Uniforms became more professional, and airlines pursued a broader range of styles and colors.  Other trends in fashion led to the “mix and match” idea of multi-piece uniforms with dozens of possible combinations. Furthermore, new synthetic fabrics provided uniforms that were wrinkle-resistant, washable, and durable for the jet-set professional.

The fluctuations in flight attendant fashions were not the only changes seen in the airline industry. Whether due to bankruptcy, mergers, or other factors, several airlines now only exist in the proverbial history books of the aviation industry. In addition to a look back at retro uniforms, this exhibition also recalls some select airlines that no longer exist.  The uniforms on view represent six airlines, some of which were iconic and influential carriers, that reference a by-gone era of air travel. While we have the uniforms to take us on a nostalgic trip down the runway, these airlines live on in our collective memory. 

The Flight Path Museum

The Flight Path Museum was founded at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to preserve and educate about the history of aviation and aerospace in Southern California. The museum’s programs help prepare the next generation of aviation professionals and historians alike.  Visit the Flight Path Museum at 6661 Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, 90045.  
For more information, please visit flightpathlax.com.